FR2942888A1 - Image acquisition configuration generating system for e.g. multiscopic restitution device, has configuration module generating data represents positions of centers and acquisition zones using another data representing restitution parameters - Google Patents

Abstract

The system (1) has a configuration module (22) generating data that defines an acquisition configuration (25) to permit restitution with a relief effect and represents positions of optical centers and dimensions and positions of acquisition zones relative to a scene using another data. The latter data represents a global acquisition mark (27), a configuration parameter (23) defining a deformation for the effect and an acquisition geometry, and restitution parameters (21) deducing dimensions of an effective zone of a restitution device and privileged observation positions for the device. An independent claim is also included for a method for generating an acquisition configuration that acquires images of a virtual scene.

Description

System and method for synthesizing a plurality of images of a virtual scene for its multiscopic rendering with controlled deformation by appropriate prior configuration of the virtual sensors The present invention relates to a system for generating a capture configuration of a plurality nxm images of a scene, including any virtual scene, for determining parameters defining a capture configuration of this scene for its relief in relief on a multiscopic device, with control of its deformation. The present invention also relates to the use of these parameters representative of the capture configuration to generate one or more multiscopic set (s) of synthetic images of the same virtual scene in 3D, for the purpose of restitution. multiscopic (display, ~ o projection, printing ...) with control of the deformation. Finally, the present invention relates to a method (and a system) for generating a plurality of nxm synthetic images of a virtual scene making it possible to generate coherent sets of fixed or animated synthetic images intended for display, the projection or multiscopic printing for is relief relief of any virtual scene, with control of the deformation. The invention applies in particular, but not exclusively, to the reproduction of fixed or animated still images (live or delayed) on multiscopic devices such as, for example, projection systems, stereoscopic screens or displays, Autostereoscopic or so-called integral imaging, as well as lenticular photographs. Moreover, some of these targeted rendering devices can be coupled to means of direct interaction (keyboard, mouse, 3D pointer, mouse 6D, ...) or indirect (observer tracking or tracking in particular) that can control some 25 parameters of the generation of the capture configuration and thus make this configuration interactive. Finally, the description of the virtual scene restored may come from a system storage means or communication channels of this system, internal (bus, other process) as external (networks, inter-system connections). This description can also be explicit (positioning parameters and various characteristics of the constituents) or implicit (sequence of orders or graphic instructions allowing capture by an image synthesis module or a dedicated processor). Prior art

In general, it is known that the diffusion of visible relief images with or without glasses makes use of technological devices known as stereoscopic, auto-stereoscopic, or even integral imaging. All these devices operate a spatial, optical, colorimetric and / or temporal mixing, on the same rectangle, of several images is of a scene taken from different points of view. The present invention is adapted to these various types of device by providing the capture of nxm images. A technological device (for example anaglyph, colored filters, optics, prisms, mirrors, shading glasses, polarizing film and polarized glasses, parallax barrier or lenticular network, in particular) makes it possible to physically and / or temporally separate the images reaching the 2 eyes of one or more spectator (s). In the case in particular of stereoscopic systems with colored glasses, active or polarized, this separation of images can be performed within a single optical beam regardless of the position of the viewer in this beam. The device 25 then uses only 2 images (n = 2, m = 1) which are transported by this same optical beam and then physically separated (polarization, color ...) or temporally (occultation) by the spectator's glasses. On the other hand, in the autostereoscopic devices in particular, the separation is performed at the rendering device for use without glasses. In these latter cases the different images are rendered in separate optical beams which are for example organized in a horizontal fan of n images (in this case n> _2 and m = 1). This horizontal fan is substantially perpendicular to the columns of the device assumed substantially perpendicular to the lines joining the eyes of the spectators. These optical beams can also be organized in a double horizontal and vertical range (perpendicular to the lines of the device), which then gives a matrix distribution of nxm optical beams (n> _2 for the horizontal distribution, m __> 2 for the vertical distribution) carrying each a distinct image. It will be understood that the invention is especially suitable for devices that would only mix optical beams organized in a vertical fan. Finally, the invention is also compatible with mixed systems that carry the nxm images via a smaller number of beams in which several images are mixed temporally (occultation) and / or physically (polarization, color ...). These latter multi-stereoscopic solutions make it possible to transport one or more stereoscopic pairs of the same vertical rank intended for one or more distinct observers within the same bundle. The number of beams needed is therefore reduced (n'xm; n '<n). In the present application, reference is made to rows and columns of rendering devices or of the common base for designating the directions, respectively horizontal and vertical, of the pixel alignments composing the rows and columns of the images broadcast by the rendering devices. or captured by the capture areas parallel to the common base. Likewise, the term principal directions is also used to designate these directions, respectively, horizontal and vertical (for example, respectively, width and height). Thus, all these known devices have the general principle of operating a spatial mixing (horizontally perpendicular to the columns of the device, or even vertically perpendicular to the lines of the device 3), optical, colorimetric and / or temporal of a set. of nxm images (n> _2 for the horizontal distribution, m> _1 for the vertical distribution) to diffuse them simultaneously and / or alternatively within one or more (nxm; 1 <_n'n and m> _1) optical beams such that each eye of a viewer correctly positioned vis-à-vis the device receives a coherent image different from that which receives the other eye (one of the initial images and not a mixture of these images). Undeformed stereoscopic perception requires alignment of the eyes parallel to the rendering device. Since the columns of the device are already assumed to be orthogonal to the eye lines of each viewer, these eye lines must all be parallel to the lines to the device. Moreover, autostereoscopic systems generally impose a horizontal (horizontal distribution only) or a plurality (matrix distribution) horizontal chains of privileged eye positions (ensuring a correct separation of one of the mixed images) which are then aligned on one or more parallel lines to the lines of the device. This arrangement also applies formally, in a reduced configuration (a chain of 2 positions), in the case of stereoscopy since the line of the eyes must be parallel to the lines of the device. By feeding such a device with images of the same virtual scene captured from well-chosen distinct points of view and adapted projective geometries, a properly positioned spectator thus receives two distinct images of this scene which form a real stereoscopic pair allowing to his brain to perceive the scene in relief. Thus, each eye of each viewer receives an image physically coming from the same area of the rendering space (generally rectangular) which corresponds to the useful area or image area of the rendering device. What is different is that all these eyes are not located in the same place and therefore observe the useful area of the device along different axes of sight. A major problem in the field of multiscopia from still or moving, real and / or virtual images is that rendering by flat multiscopic devices involves coplanar mixing of these images. These images transmitted by the device are not all orthogonal to each line of sight of users (axes between each eye and the center of the useful area of the device). The restitution of the images is done according to pyramids whose common base is formed by the useful zone of the device and whose vertices are the eyes of the users. The axes of vision are not necessarily all orthogonal to the plane of the image observed, the restitution of these images induces trapezoidal deformations if it has badly (or not) been taken into account these io restitutions of bias during capture images. This has 2 direct consequences: Problem P1: If these trapezoidal deformations are not similar for the 2 images perceived by an observer, the stereoscopic pairing by the brain is more delicate, even impossible, which reduces or cancels the perception of the relief. This is what is commonly called stereoscopic epipolar stress, that is to say, the need, to allow stereoscopic matching, that the two projections of the same point of a scene on each of the images of the stereoscopic pair are restored on the multiscopic device so as to be coplanar with the 2 eyes of the observer. When the restitution (as is our case) imposes eyes parallel to the lines of the device, this translates into the necessity that the 2 images of the same point are restored on the same line of the device. This condition is necessary for the perception of relief (which derives from this epipolar constraint). For a flat multiscopic restitution, this implies choosing, for the 2 images intended for the same observer, capture pyramids supported on a common rectangular base in the scene and whose vertices are arranged on a straight line parallel to the lines of this base. common. For collective restitution situations of the same scene (multi-view autostereoscopic devices in particular) which share views between several observers or potential observation positions within one or more key position chains, it is necessary to extend this base. common to all the recordings intended for the same channel, indeed to all the chains if one wishes a coherence between the restitutions on the various chains. Thus, the axes of sight are therefore necessarily convergent at the center of this common base, and the peaks of the pyramids must form 2 to 2 (by observer or selected observation position) straight lines parallel to the lines of the common base. Each image chain must therefore be picked up from positions aligned on a straight line parallel to the common base. Moreover, for the capture zones supported on these pyramids, and therefore the images they capture, to remain rectangular, they must be parallel to this common base. Problem P2: If, for images intended for a given position, the capture respects the common base configuration and optical centers on a line parallel to this base, the perception of relief is guaranteed. However, this does not imply that the perceived relief remains consistent with the relief ts initially captured. Indeed, the absence of deformation during the restitution requires moreover a perfect similarity image by image, pyramids of capture with the pyramids of restitution (same angles of opening horizontal and vertical, same angles between the main axis and the rectangular base). In case of non-similarity of the capture and playback pyramids (but in respect of a capture geometry ensuring the perception of relief), the perceived relief corresponds to a complex deformation of the relief initially captured. This distortion may be desirable to implement certain special effects in certain uses, as it may be undesirable in other applications. Obviously, this implies that capture and restitution must be carried out in a coherent manner, whether or not a deformation of the perceived relief is desired.

Known devices are proposed in a convergent scheme without a common base for the capture pyramids. It is known in particular applications FR 2 909 778 and WO 2008 081115 filed by the applicant of the present application, which relate to solutions using a physical distribution of a plurality of optoelectronic sensors on an arc of a circle whose radius corresponds to the distance between the optical center of each of the sensors and a point of the captured scene on which is carried out the development of at least one of said sensors called reference sensor and to which the sensors are oriented convergently. Other known devices have several optoelectronic sensors on a line while converging their axes of sight at a point in the scene. All of these convergent devices de facto propose capture systems manifesting the problem P1 above unless a systematic trapezoidal correction of images to before use, which is hardly desirable since it increases the chain of treatment and produces a degradation quality of the restored images. Positioning of the invention In order to allow a multiscopic rendering with a perception of relief which is in conformity with the expected (or desired) relief, it is necessary to correctly configure the capturing system. Some applications of the multiscopic visualization of a virtual scene (totally or partially) require either the assurance of a faithful reproduction of the relief, or to control the deformations involved for this relief to obtain effects a priori 20 chosen or accepted in all knowledge. The solutions of the prior art allow a relief rendering but have the disadvantage that this relief rendering is not controlled and therefore not necessarily true to the scene and / or the will of the operator. It is precisely this technical problem, not addressed by the prior art, that this invention solves by proposing a control of the deformation (or the absence of deformation) of the relief by the coherence of the capture geometries. and restitution. It should be noted that the invention is particularly suitable for capturing virtual scenes for applications such as Image Synthesis, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality or Augmented Virtuality. One of the aims of the invention is to generate a capture configuration of a plurality of nxm images of a scene, to allow restitution, with a determined relief effect, on at least one multiscopic rendering device. This goal is achieved by a system for generating a capture configuration of a plurality of nxm images of a virtual scene, these nxm images being intended for restitution on at least one multiscopic rendering device, the capture being performed by projecting the scene onto a plurality of nxm capture areas each associated with an optical center, defining a virtual capture device, the system comprising data processing means and storage and / or internal communication means (with other process of the system) or external (with other systems or devices) and / or a user interface, characterized in that the processing means execute a configuration module generating data defining said configuration, allowing restitution with a determined relief effect, and representative of the positioning, with respect to the scene, of the nxm optical centers and the di mounts and positionings, relative to the scene, nxm capturing areas associated with them, by linking at least the following data from the storage means and / or internal or external communication and / or the user interface: - data representative of the positioning, the orientation and the eventual conformation in the scene of at least one global capture mark representing the choice (s) of the operator of the system in terms of position (s) and viewing orientations of the scene, - data representative of at least one configuration parameter, defining a desired deformation for the relief effect and / or a capture geometry, the capture being carried out by the projection of the scene on the nxm capture zones, through nxm pyramidal optical beams of capture supported on a rectangular base 3o common to the nxm optical beams and arranged in the scene to capture r, the nxm beams passing each by one of the nxm optical centers aligned, in batches, on one or more line (s), called straight alignment centers, parallel (s) to one of the main directions of this common base, the capture areas corresponding to the intersection of these optical beams with at least one plane parallel to this common base, the axes of sight or main axes of the nxm optical beams, passing through their optical center, converging all towards the center of the common base, data representative of restitution parameters, defining or making it possible to deduce at least the dimensions of a chosen useful area of the rendering device and the preferred observation positions chosen for the rendering device. According to another particularity, the data representative of at least one configuration parameter comprise data representative of at least one set of parameters among the following sets of parameters: a set of parameters, called internal parameters, of capture directly defining the capture geometry by at least the positions, vis-à-vis a reference specific to the virtual capture device, optical centers aligned on the straight line (s) of alignment of the centers and the positions of capture areas, parallel between they are oriented in such a way that their lines are parallel to these lines of alignment of the centers, • a set of parameters, called external parameters, of capture defining or making it possible to identify the geometry of capture from the point of convergence, by at least the dimensions of the common base 25 centered on the point of convergence, the positioning of the alignment line or lines of the centers s, the positioning of the optical centers on these lines of alignment of the centers and the position of the planes parallel to the common base (BC) containing the capture zones (ZC;). A set of deformation parameters defining possible deformations for the relief rendering of the scene. According to another feature, the data representative of at least one configuration parameter comprise data representative of a parameter defining a relief rendered without any deformation with respect to the relief of the captured scene. According to another particularity, the data representative of at least one configuration parameter comprise data representative of at least one parameter among the following deformation parameters, defining transformations between the initial space of the scene and the space of the restitution and defined either individually for each observation position n ° i, either in batches or globally by: • at least one factor k; of overall magnification and in particular at depth, at least one parameter E; control of the potential non-linear deformation (which transforms a cube into a truncated pyramid), • at least a pi-rate of relative magnification of the width with respect to the desired depth or horizontal anamorphosis factor / depth, • at least a rate p; relative magnification of the desired height versus width or vertical / horizontal anamorphic factor, • at least one rate y; horizontal shearing of the perceived relief, • at least a rate b of vertical shear relief perceived by a plunging observer in accordance with that expected. According to another particularity, the data representative of at least one configuration parameter comprise data representative of the following external capture geometry parameters: at least one parameter defining, with respect to the common base, the positioning of the line or lines ( s) of alignment of the centers, - at least one parameter defining the positioning of the optical centers on these alignment lines of the centers, - at least one parameter defining directly or indirectly the 3o dimensions of the common base, - at least one parameter defining the precise position of each plane parallel to the common base carrying at least one pick-up zone According to another feature, the data representative of at least one configuration parameter comprise data representative of the following internal pick-up geometry parameters: minus a parameter defining the positions of the opt centers relative to a reference specific to the virtual capture device, - at least one parameter defining the orientation of the axis of view of each projection pyramid (or main axis), at least one parameter defining the geometry the effective projection pyramid of each catchment area. According to another particularity, all or part of the sets of data from which the configuration module determines said configuration are variable over time, thanks to data from the storage means and / or internal or external communication and / or the user interface and defining at least one temporal reference for the change of the data representative of the configuration parameter (s) and / or of the data representative of the global capture frame and / or of the representative data of the restitution device, in particular of the positions chosen observation.

Another object of the invention is to use this capture configuration to generate a plurality of images of a virtual scene that can be used on a multiscopic rendering device.

This goal is achieved by using data representative of the positions of the nxm optical centers and the dimensions and positions of the nxm capture areas with respect to the scene and defining said configuration according to one of the preceding claims, for the generation of nxm images or image sequences of a virtual scene, static or dynamic, by an image synthesis module executed by the configuration generation system or by another system comprising data processing means executing the synthesis module of images and storage means and / or internal or external communication and / or a user interface, characterized in that the image synthesis module generates data representative of the nxm images or sequences of synthetic images from said data representative of the positions of the nxm optical centers and the dimensions and positions of the nxm zones d capturing with respect to the scene and defining said configuration and data representative of either static or evolutive positions and features, constituents of a three-dimensional virtual scene, or a sequence of computer instructions or graphic commands for defining this same scene. According to another feature, the image synthesis module generates ts all or part of said representative data of the nxm synthetic images, static or corresponding to the same time step in their respective sequence, thanks to the execution of multiple instances of a image synthesis software. According to another particularity, the image synthesis module generates all or part of said representative data of the nxm synthetic images, static or corresponding to the same time step in their respective sequence, by an instance of a synthesis software of image arranged to realize in parallel several captations of images in the same instance. According to another particular feature, the nxm images or sequences of synthesis images generated by the image synthesis module are stored or transmitted to other systems or processes by means of storage means and / or internal or external communication. According to another particular feature, the nxm images or sequences of synthesis images generated by the image synthesis module are the subject of a mixing adapted to the multiscopic reproduction device chosen, thanks to a mixing module using data. representative of the technical characteristics of the rendering device for generating data representative of the nxm images or sequences of images mixed appropriately for their return to the rendering device. According to another particularity, the data representative of the images or sequences of mixed images generated by the mixing module are stored or transmitted to other systems or processes by means of storage means and / or internal or external communication. According to another particularity, the data representative of the images or sequences of mixed images generated by the mixing module are transmitted to the rendering device. Another object of the invention is to propose a method of generating a plurality of nxm images of a virtual scene, to allow a restitution of these images, with a determined relief deformation effect, on at least one device. multiscopic restitution. This object is achieved by a method of generating a plurality of nxm images or image sequences of a virtual, static or dynamic scene, these nxm images or image sequences being intended for restitution on at least one device multiscopic rendering, and corresponding to the projection of the static or dynamic virtual scene on a plurality of nxm capture zones each associated with an optical center, the method being characterized in that it is implemented by at least one system comprising data processing means and means of storage and / or internal or external communication and / or a user interface, and in that it comprises the following steps: • generation, by a configuration module, of representative data of a configuration of the capture, allowing a restitution with a determined relief effect, and representative of the positions, with respect to the scene, of the nxm c optical inputs and dimensions and positioning, with respect to the scene, nxm capturing areas associated with them, by linking at least the following data from the storage means and / or internal or external communication and / or the user interface: lo data representative of the positioning, the orientation and the possible conformation in the scene of at least one global capture frame, - data representative of at least one parameter of configuration, defining a desired deformation for the relief effect 15 and / or a capture geometry, the capture being carried out by the projection of the virtual scene on the nxm capture zones through nxm pyramidal optical beams of capture supported on a base rectangular common to nxm optical beams, arranged in the scene to be captured, the nxm beams each passing 20 by one of the nxm optical centers aligned by lo ts on one or more straight lines, called straight lines of the centers, parallel to one of the main directions of this common base, the capture zones corresponding to the intersection of these optical beams with at least one plane parallel to this base common, the target axes or main axes of the nxm optical beams, passing through their optical center, converging all towards the center of the common base, - data representative of restitution parameters, defining or allowing to deduce at least the 30 dimensions a useful area of the chosen rendering device and the preferred viewing positions chosen for the rendering device. Virtual capture of the scene by generation, by an image synthesis module, of data representative of the nxm images or image sequences from said data representative of said configuration and data representative of either positioning or characteristics, static or evolutive components of a three-dimensional virtual scene, either a series of computer instructions or graphic orders for defining the same scene, these data from the storage means and / or internal or external communication and / or from the user w interface. According to another particularity, the step of generating the data representative of the nxm synthetic images, static or corresponding to the same time step in their respective sequence, by the image synthesis module, comprises steps of execution of multiple instances 15 of an image synthesis software. According to another particularity, the step of generating the data representative of the nxm synthetic images, static or corresponding to the same time step in their respective sequence, by the image synthesis module, comprises a step of executing a an instance of an image synthesis software arranged to perform in parallel several captations of images in the same instance. The images generated by the method, once adequately mixed according to the characteristics of the rendering device (any but previously chosen and characterized) can be displayed or printed or projected using, or on, this rendering device and allow, for an observer endowed with stereoscopy and correctly positioned relative to the device to effectively perceive the scene in relief, with, in addition, a perception without deformation or with a 3o selected or controlled deformation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. capture according to some embodiments, for use by an image synthesis module, according to some embodiments of the invention, so as to generate nxm images of a virtual scene lo, - Figure 2 represents a configuration of capturing images of a scene according to certain embodiments of the invention; FIG. 3 diagrammatically shows in perspective the capture geometry used in the configuration according to certain embodiments of the invention; FIGS. 4B represent, respectively, a front view and a top view of the capture geometry used in the configuration according to certain modes. Embodiment of the invention, FIG. 5 schematically represents a perspective view of the rendering geometry on a multiscopic rendering device, of a plurality of images captured with the configuration according to certain embodiments of the invention, FIG. 6 represents a method of generating a plurality of nxm images of a virtual scene for multiscopic rendering, according to certain embodiments of the invention. The present invention is therefore intended, for a first purpose, to generate a capture configuration (25) (determination of parameters of a capture geometry with respect to the scene to be captured) in order subsequently to allow the realization of a plurality coherent views 3o of the same virtual scene (generating images of the scene) for the relief restitution of this scene with a relief without deformation or controlled deformation on any multiscopic restitution device previously chosen. It will be noted here that the generation of the configuration and the generation of the images will be made according to the technical characteristics of at least one multiscopic rendering device chosen, as detailed below. Several multiscopic recovery devices may have identical technical characteristics and the configuration generated, as well as the images obtained, may therefore be usable for several rendering devices. The term capture is used herein to refer to the creation of images from a virtual scene, in a manner similar to (or more or less simulating) an image acquisition of a real scene. The term restitution is used to designate the display, projection or printing of a suitable mix of captured images (which can be achieved by various types of multiscopic devices). Indeed, capture is achieved by projecting the scene onto a plurality of nxm capture areas each associated with an optical center. This arrangement amounts to a simulation of optics and virtual sensors placed in relation to the scene and defining a virtual capture device, according to the parameters that the invention makes it possible to determine. In this sense, the invention is placed in a framework that systematically solves P1. It also uses an analysis of the P2 problem to propose a computer system allowing, according to various methods, to select a rendering device, then to define a capture configuration (for example a virtual capture device) consistent with this rendering device and possibly with the expected deformation, before computing the images of the virtual scene captured through the capture zones (ZC ;, i = (ii, i2) E {1 ... n} x {1 ... m} ) (or virtual sensors) associated with the optical centers (Ci, i = (ii, i2) E {1 ... n} x {1 ... m}), previously defined, and then storing and / or mixing them and / or transmit them for multiscopic return to the designated device. This architecture makes it possible to ensure that the initial relief of the virtual scene will undergo, at restitution, the expected or desired deformation.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the index i is used in the present application with reference to various elements (Ci, ZCi, etc.) or parameters (fi, Xi, etc.) to designate the fact that the element or the parameter (for which it appears in index) concerns the image number i to capture. Note that this term i may in fact correspond to a pair of values il (ranging from 1 to n) and i2 (ranging from 1 to m), as defined above by the expression i = (ii, i2) used. for a matrix definition, but when one only needs to define one dimension (for example when the parameters are grouped according to m lots of n parameters), use only the term i2 (or possibly) to characterize a batch of parameters (for example, lot number i2, between 1 and m).

Another object of the present invention is to propose a solution that makes it possible, efficiently and without excessive cost, to generate multiple views (nxm images) of the same virtual scene whose joint use on any multiscopic device allows the effective perception in relief of this scene by an observer correctly positioned with respect to the multiscopic device. It is in fact to systematically solve the problem P1 by choosing a capture configuration ensuring a projection of the scene on the nxm capture areas (ZCi), through nxm pyramidal optical beams supported on a rectangular base (BC) common to the nxm optical beams and arranged in the scene to capture. It will be understood from reading the following description that this common base 25 corresponds in fact to the framing of the shot, that is to say to the rectangle of the scene which will be restored precisely on the useful area of the device of restitution, or to the representation in the scene of the counterpart of this useful area of restitution. The nxm beams each pass through one of the nxm optical centers (Ci) aligned in batches on one or more lines (LCi2) parallel to this common base (the two-dimensional numbering i = (il, i2) then makes it possible to say that each center Ci is positioned on the right LCi2 corresponding to its second index). These lines (LCi2) are referred to herein as straight lines (LCi2) of center alignment. For example, m lots of n optical centers (Ci) may be aligned on m straight (LCi2) alignment centers. The capture zones correspond to the intersection of these optical beams (capture pyramids) with at least one plane parallel to this common base. The axes of aim or main axes of the nxm pyramidal optical beams, passing through their optical center, all converge towards the center (PS) of the common base. An illustrative example of this configuration (25) is shown in Figure 2 showing an example of a virtual scene (one to car) and the common base (BC) placed in front of it. With respect to this scene, the positioning of each optical center (Ci), as well as the dimensions and the positioning of the associated capture zone (ZCi), form sets of parameters (25i) for defining the configuration of each virtual sensor or. These sets of parameters (25i) collectively define the capture configuration (25) and it will be understood from this FIG. 2 that this configuration (25) can be represented (in an illustrative and nonlimiting manner) by pyramidal beams ( or pyramids of capture). These pyramidal bundles com- comprise a first series of pyramids (only two shown in Figure 2, No. i and j) whose 20 bases correspond to the common base (BC) and whose vertices correspond to the optical centers (Ci and Ci, Figure 2) and a second series of pyramids (inverted) whose vertices correspond to the optical centers (Ci and C ;, Figure 2) and whose bases correspond to the capture zones (ZCi and ZCi, Figure 2). This configuration amounts to the fact that the lines of sight (AVi, FIG. 2) converge at the center (PS) of the common base (BC) and that the capture areas (ZCi) are parallel to the common base (BC). . The axes of sight (AVi) (or main axes), therefore all pass through the center (PS) of the common base (BC) and then through the optical center (Ci) and the center (Ii) of the capture area ( ZCi) of their associated sensor. Note again that the capture zones (ZCi) can be positioned at any distance (fi) from the optical center (Ci) without any consequence on the captured images and therefore on the relief of the relief, if they are defined as the intersection at least one plane parallel to the common base with the capture pyramid involved. It is thus easier to consider, in batches of optical centers aligned (that is to say at 12 fixed) or globally, all these areas of capture as the intersections of the various pyramids with a single plane parallel to the common base and located at a fixed distance fie or f from the line (LCi2) of alignment of the optical centers (Ci), as represented in FIG. 2. It is thus clear that, in this example, the capture zones (ZCi) are aligned in batches on one or more lines included in this or these common plane (s) and parallel to the lines (LCi2) of alignment of the optical centers (Ci). We thus see that a point (U) of the scene is projected on the capture zones (ZCi, ZCj, figure 2) at points (ui, uj, figure 2) whose position depends on the positions of the optical centers (Ci , Cj, FIG. 2) and the dimensions and positioning of the capture zones (ZCi ZC1, FIG. 2). In some embodiments, all the capture zones (ZCi) (or virtual sensors) have the same dimensions 1, h (FIG. 3) and are therefore positioned by their center Ii which is horizontally offset by a distance ai (FIG. ) and vertically a distance ei (Figure 3) with respect to the optical axis (AOi, Figure 2), that is to say a straight orthogonal to the capture areas (ZC,) and passing through the center optical (Ci). It will be noted that, in certain embodiments, it will be possible to have capture zones (ZCi) situated at distances f different from the line (LCi2) of the optical centers (Ci) and therefore having different dimensions li, hi. It is therefore understood that the alignment of the capture zones is given here as an illustration to facilitate the understanding of the capture configuration and that it is possible to use capture zones of variable dimensions and placed in several parallel planes. the common base (BC) at various distances from the lines (LCi2) bearing their associated optical center, but this complicates the configuration without constituting a real modification.

FIG. 5 shows, by way of example, the analysis of the restitution geometry making it possible to define the characteristics of the device for which the images will be generated. In this FIG. 5, the point U displayed on the device, of center (Ce), is perceived as a point u thanks to the images u; and ug; displayed on the screen and to their stereoscopic pairing by the observer's brain (whose eyes are positioned in O; and Ogi) The number nxm of capture areas (ZC;) (or virtual sensors or capture devices ) may vary, for example depending on the number of images expected by the multiscopic rendering device allowing its observation of several different points of view. However, the number of views captured may be different from the number of viewpoints rendered by the devices for which the capture is intended. For example, it is possible to capture fewer views than what the playback device is able to broadcast especially if the number 1s observer is limited. Conversely, it is possible to capture more views than what the playback device can broadcast and select the viewpoints that will be returned, for example according to the choice of the operator. The term operator is used herein to refer to the person deciding the parameters to be applied for capturing, i.e. the user of the generation system of the configuration and / or the image generation system or controlling the setting. implementation of the method. These principles of architecture of the virtual capture system are necessary to solve the problem P1, but are not enough to obtain a controlled relief restitution since it is still necessary to analyze the problem P2 and in particular the relationships between the characteristic angles of the pyramids. of sighting and observation. The present invention therefore relates to a system (1, FIG. 1) for generating a configuration (25, FIGS. 1 and 2) for capturing a plurality of nxm images of a virtual scene, these nxm images being intended for a Rendering, with a determined relief effect (thanks to the invention), on at least one multiscopic reproduction device, the capture being performed by the projection of the scene on a plurality of nxm capture areas (ZC;) each associated with an optical center (C;). This system comprises data processing means (11) and means (12) for storing and / or communicating internally (with other processes executed by the system) or externally (with other systems) and / or user interface (13). Thanks to these storage means and / or communication and / or this user interface, the operator can select and / or define parameters relating to at least one rendering device for which the system will adapt the configuration (25) capture ( and to which are intended ~ o the images that will be generated (captured) thanks to this configuration). In some embodiments, the system may be preconfigured and use the parameters directly without operator intervention, particularly in the case of one of the embodiments described below concerning a capture configuration for a relief without deformation. In some embodiments, the system allows the operator, through the interface (13), to select (or enter) the parameters defining the type of rendering device and / or defining the deformation that he chooses. have on the relief rendering of the scene and / or defining at least one of the parameters relating to the capture geometry detailed below. In some embodiments, the system allows the operator, through the interface (13), to directly select configurations from a plurality previously stored in storage means accessible by the system. The processing means (11) executes a configuration module (22, FIG. 1) generating data defining said configuration (25) and representative of the positions, with respect to the scene, of the nxm optical centers (C) and the dimensions and positioning, relative to the scene, the nxm capture areas (ZC;) associated with them. The system is characterized in that the module (22, Fig. 1) generates said configuration (25) by relating at least the following data from the storage means (12) and / or internal communication or external and / or from the interface (13) user: - data representative of the positioning, orientation and possible conformation in the scene of at least one reference (27, Figures 1 and 2) global of capture, - data representative of at least one parameter (23, FIG. 1) of configuration, defining a desired deformation for the relief effect and / or a capture geometry, - data representative of parameters (21, FIG. of restitution, defining or allowing to deduce at least the dimensions of a chosen useful area of the rendering device and ~ o privileged observation positions chosen for the rendering device. The configuration module (22) uses determined relationships to relate at least data representative of the mark (27), data representative of at least one configuration parameter (23), and data representative of the parameters of restitution (21). These relationships, as explained below, may be defined by equations, which may for example be expressed in the form of the equations detailed below (or according to various equivalents as explained below). The configuration module (22) may for example use at least one algorithm for linking the parameters, at least equivalent to the equations detailed here. As mentioned above, the capture is carried out by the projection of the scene on the nxm capture areas (ZCi), through nxm pyramidal optical beams supported on a rectangular base (BC) common to the nxm 25 optical beams, arranged in the scene to capture, the nxm beams each passing through one of the nxm optical centers (Ci) aligned in batches on one or more line (s) (LCi2) of alignment of the centers, parallel (s) to a main direction of this base common (BC), the capture areas (ZCi) corresponding to the intersection of these optical beams with at least a plane parallel to this common base (BC), the axes of sight (AVi) or main axes of the nxm optical beams , passing through their optical center (C;), all converging towards the center (PS) of the common base (BC). This projection therefore prescribes at least a part of the configuration parameters (23). In some embodiments, the means (12) for storing and / or communicating the system internally or externally provide these three types of data. In other embodiments, a module for controlling the user interface (13), integrated or not with the configuration module (22), makes it possible to enter via this interface these 3 types of data or to select always via this interface. interface these 3 types of data among the data provided by the storage means and / or internal or external communication. Some embodiments therefore correspond to combinations of these embodiments, the invention making it possible, for example, to choose at least one rendering device (which prescribes all or part of the parameters 21) and to choose how one wishes the capture either performed (either by choosing deformation parameters, or by choosing at least one parameter relating to the capture geometry, as detailed below), so that the system generates the configuration (25) making it possible to obtain the images corresponding to these choices. In other embodiments, the system is preconfigured for at least one rendering device and offers no choice on deformations or pickup geometry. In these embodiments, the data representative of at least one configuration parameter (23) may correspond to an implicit parameter, since the relief rendering must not present any deformation or present a preconfigured deformation, which prescribes a a number of parameters of the capture geometry as detailed below. The system would then relate only the data representative of the marker (27) and those representative of the parameters (21) of restitution, using a specific relation (equation) taking into account this implicit parameter. 3o the configuration module (22) uses data representative of the positioning, the orientation and the possible conformation in the scene of at least one global recording mark (27, FIGS. 1 and 2) which makes it possible, in particular, to position in the scene the point of convergence (PS) and orient in the scene, around this point, the common base (BC). This marker (27) then also makes it possible to position, orient, or even to conform, the capture zones (ZC;) and the optical centers (Ci) with respect to the scene.

These data (27) can be or should make it possible to determine: the coordinates in the scene PS, scn of the convergence point, the coordinates in the scene X, scn, Yiscn, Z, scn (FIG. 2) of the 3 characteristic directions of the common base (BC): main directions for X and Y, and normal direction for Z. Io The configuration module (22) uses data representative of restitution parameters (21, figure 1). These parameters (21) of restitution concern firstly the dimensions of the useful area of the rendering device. This useful area may be expressed in terms of width L (FIG. 5) and height H (FIG. 5), for example, but also in terms of ratio (for example, of the 16/9 or 4/3 type) and dimension of the diagonal (for example in inches: 32 ") or in dimension of an image point (pitchs, for example in pm or density in dpi) and in resolution used (number of pixels per line and column of the useful zone). It will therefore be understood that the expression given here to the parameters used is given only by way of example It will be understood from reading the present description that this notion is true for most of the parameters detailed here. 21) on the other hand the privileged observation positions (O ;, 09 ;, figure 5) for the chosen restitution device (for example nxm privileged positions) These positions can be defined by the optimal positioning of the spectator (for example at an optimal distance from observati on), one or more optimal dips (or zeniths) of observation, as detailed below. An example of expression of these parameters is given in Cartesian definition by: the distance d; from each observation position relative to the plane of the rendering device, - the lateral offset (along the lines of the device) o; from each observation position relative to the center (Ce) of the device, the vertical offset (according to the columns of the device) p of each observation position relative to the center (Ce) of the device.

However, it is obvious that one can also use, for each position, a spherical definition by the distance to the center (Ce) and azimuth and zenith angles, or even use cylindrical coordinates. Furthermore, in the examples detailed here, and as illustrated in FIG. 5, these positions being aligned in batches on one or more straight lines (LOi 2) for aligning the observation positions, parallel to the lines of the device, a reduced parameterization can also be used by keeping only the non-redundant parameters, such as the distance di2, the vertical shift p; Z of each alignment line (LOi2) involved and the lateral offset oi of each position on its alignment line. This offset can even be reduced to the column-by-column offsets if the matrix distribution places the same-index observation positions at the same lateral offset. Each privileged position (Oi) is supposed to receive the image n ° i from the device with coherence (without too much mixing with the other images), as detailed below with reference to the restitution geometry. The data representative of the configuration (25) define the positioning, with respect to the scene, of the nxm optical centers (C 1) and the dimensions and positioning, with respect to the scene, of the n × m capture zones (ZC 1) which are associated. These data therefore make it possible to define each zone (ZCi) of capture (or virtual sensor) No. i in the scene by means of information (25i, FIG. 1 and 2) which comprise or make it possible to determine the configuration (25, FIG. ) by: - The coordinates Ci, scn in the scene of the optical center (Ci). 30 - The orientation of the capture area (ZCi) in the scene. For example, the coordinates, in the scene, of the two main vectors X i, scn, oriented along the lines of the image to be captured and Y i, s, n, oriented along the columns of the image to be captured. The dimensions (of the useful zone) of the capture zones (ZCi), for example expressed in width lzi and in height hzi, - The effective positioning of the capture zone (ZCi) with respect to the optical center (Ci) (or projection center). This effective positioning of the optical center (Ci) can be expressed by means of the global reference (27) by Ci / scn = PS, scn + pXi.X / scn-pYi.Y / scn-pZi.Z, scn, in Cartesian coordinates, with : to pZi: distance (figure 2) separating this optical center (Ci) from the common base (BC) (according to -Zi, scn), - pXi: shift (according to Xi, scn) of this optical center (Ci) relative to at the point of convergence (PS), center of the common base (BC), pY; : offset (according to -Yiiscn) of this optical center (Ci) with respect to the 1s point of convergence (PS), center of the common base (BC), This actual positioning thanks to the global coordinate system (27) can also be expressed in coordinates angular: for example by the azimuth and zenith of the axis PS-Ci (Figure 2). This effective positioning of the capture zone (ZCi) can be expressed in Cartesian coordinates by: - dZi (FIG. 2): distance separating the capture zone n ° from its optical center (Ci) (orthogonal to the plane of the zone capture, that is to say along the optical axis AOi, or according to Z;, scn), - dX; : shift (according to Xi, scn) of the center I of the capture area (ZCi) with respect to the optical center (Ci) - dYi: shift (according to Yi, scn) of the center Ii of the capture area (ZCi) by compared to the optical center (Ci). This actual positioning can also be expressed in angular coordinates: for example by the azimuth and zenith of the target axis (AVi, FIG. 2).

Similarly, the Cartesian dimensions lz; and hz; the capture zone (ZC;) can be replaced, once the distance dZi determined, by the horizontal and vertical angular apertures (even the left and right azimuths and the low and high zeniths).

Thus, the invention makes it possible to determine, from the reproduction parameters (21), the global capture frame (27) and the configuration parameters (23), the data representative of the configuration (25) by determining at least one part of the information (25i) above. The restitution and capture (capture) geometries are now detailed with reference to FIGS. 3, 4A and 4B and FIG. 5. In FIGS. 3, 4A and 4B are shown, from various angles of view, the geometry capture in the embodiments where all the capture areas have the same dimensions and are placed at the same distance f (measured parallel to z) of their associated optical centers. Their intrinsic characteristics can be represented by various sets of parameters that are globally totally equivalent although distinct in their internal structure (description of pyramids by distances and / or angles, characterization of points or vectors in Cartesian or cylindrical or spherical coordinates, ...). Thus, as mentioned above, the sets of parameters used for the forthcoming geometrical descriptions should be considered as non-limiting examples of how to characterize these geometries and the equations detailed here are only examples of the relationships used in the invention. to relate the parameters. Restitution Geometry FIG. 5 represents an example of a description of the geometry of the rendering device for which the images will be generated and exposes, by way of example, all or part of a set of parameters making it possible to characterize this geometry completely. (for the purposes of this invention).

The device mixes nxm images extended for example over its entire useful surface of dimensions L (width, Figure 5) and H (height, Figure 5). Each of these images # i = (il, i2) E {1 ... n} x {1 ... m} is supposed to be visible correctly (without too much mixing with the others) at least since the chosen preferential position ( Oi) (FIG. 5) positioned on one of the straight lines (LOi2) of alignment of the chosen observation positions, parallel to the lines of the device and are each dedicated to an observer with predefined characteristics (binocular deviation and gaze height) which can then move to change the angle of view of the restored scene. This alignment straight line (LOi 2), and therefore the observation position (0), is located at a distance die from the useful area of the device which can be defined according to the chosen restitution device, so as to ensure that a user of binocular deviation bit (Figure 5), with a line of eyes parallel to the lines of the device, having his right eye in (Oi) (Figure 5) which would perceive the image No. i, 1s would have his eye left in (Og ;, figure 5) with gi = i- (gi2,0) which would thus perceive the image n ° gi. Thus, for each line (LOi2), two attributes or interdependent parameters are defined: bit the binocular distance chosen for this position (often the bits will all be identical to the average human binocular distance 65 mm, but it is conceivable to choose different differences according to the expected public: children, ...) and qi2 the difference in image numbers composing visible coherent stereoscopic pairs with binocular deviation bi2 from the preferential positions of the straight line (LOi2) of alignment of the positions of 'observation. According to a characteristic of the multiscopic devices, it is possible, from a position (Oi) (FIG. 5), to continue to perceive relief by shifting vertically (parallel to the columns of the useful zone of the device) more or less depending on whether device proposes or not a vertical distribution of images (m> 1 or m = 1). Thus, spectators of various sizes can use the device at the cost of a possible deformation 3o in shear of the relief they perceive (see below). The viewing conditions are thus defined for a given user size common to a whole chain of observation positions, or rather for a given dipping which represents the vertical difference (parallel to the columns of the device) of positioning the eyes of the eyes. observers on this chain in relation to the center (Ce) of the useful zone. When the observer (and therefore the actual embedding) is not known a priori, we are satisfied with a mean plunge pi2m (corresponding to an observer of average size to be defined). The analysis of the characteristics of the restitution geometry is based on an overall reference defined with respect to the restitution device, for example in its center, (Ce, x, y, z = x ^ y) such that, as shown in FIG. In FIG. 5: - x is parallel to the lines of the reproduction device and oriented to their right in FIG. 5, - is parallel to the columns of the reproduction device and oriented downwards in FIG. 5, of the system (1) for generating the configuration (25), the data representative of the reproduction parameters (21), in particular defining the characteristics of the multiscopic reproduction device, coming from the memory and / or communication means (12) and comprising for example, a storage means 20 specific for these data, comprise and / or allow to deduce at least, and if necessary, the aforementioned restitution parameters L, H, die, pie (or pi2m), oi which represents ntent: • the dimensions, width L and height H, of the chosen useful area rectangle of the device (display, projection or printing of the mixed images), • the precise location of the lines (LO12) of alignment of the positions in the global reference frame of restitution (Ce, x, y, z), based on their distance die to the device and their dipping or vertical shift pie with respect to Ce. • the precise location of the observation positions chosen or imposed on their right (LOi2) (for example offset or lateral ù along the lines of the device ù relative to the center of the device) • stereoscopic settings of each chain of positions (LOi2): index difference qi2 of the images of the chain provided for left and right eyes and binocular deviation bit provided for this stereoscopic relationship, Note that the observation positions are often regularly spaced on the lines (LOi2). In this case, the lateral offsets oi of the observation positions on one of these lines are collectively defined by only one of these data and the characteristics associated with this line: oi = o (l, i2) + bi2 (i1-1) / Qi2. Thus, it is possible to have reduced sets of parameters which make it possible, in these particular configurations, to calculate the missing parameters. The user interface (13) (or human / machine interface, such as for example at least one screen and means of input and / or interaction) allows, in cooperation with the configuration module (22), the interactive management (inputting, consulting, selecting, editing, saving) these stored parameters (21) stored, among others. It should be noted that for parameters relating to rendering devices, this data may be updated in the system according to the evolution of the known devices. According to another embodiment of the generation system, a recognition module allows the automatic recognition of a rendering device connected to the system, then the selection in a list of known devices of all or part of its restitution parameters so that the configuration module (22) uses the parameters of the detected and recognized device, for example to (re) initialize their content and present them interactively to the operator via the interface. FIG. 3 shows a representation in perspective of the capture geometry of the images making it possible to define the configuration of the capture zone No. i (for example the zone ZC, represented in FIG. 2) and exposes, by way of example, all or part of a set of parameters to completely characterize this capture geometry (for the purposes of this invention). Figures 4A and 4B show representations, respectively, front and top, of this capture geometry. The definition of the capture geometry is based on the global capture frame (27, Fig. 2 and 3), for example, positioned at the point (PS) of desired convergence and oriented so that the first 2 basic vectors are parallel to the main directions of the common base centered in (PS) and therefore to the main directions of the catchment areas (ZC). Illustratively and in no way limiting, the first base vector is here chosen parallel to the lines of the capture zones and the second is parallel to the columns of these zones. The data representative of the parameters relating to this marker (27) come for example from means (12) for storing and / or communicating, for example comprising a specific memory means for these data, and / or come from the interface (13). ) user (parameters entered, or selected from a stored plurality, by the operator to define a position in the scene). This reference (27) makes it possible to define the position and the orientation of all the projection pyramids representative of the capture zones, specifying in particular the observation direction Z and the straight line or lines (LC12) of alignment of the optical centers: R = (PS, X, Y, Z = X "Y) .These parameters defining the pickup mark (27) may thus comprise: the coordinates PS1Scn, in the scene, of the center (PS) of the mark (27) the coordinates X, s, n, Y, scn and Z1Scn, in the scene, of the 3 basic vectors of the marker (27), giving the characteristic directions of the common base.

More precisely, the nxm capture pyramids representative of a virtual capture device (or system) that respects the principles previously stated to solve the problem P1, are specified by: • optical axes (AOi, fig 2) Z-directional parallels, • optical centers (Ci), aligned on one or more lines (LCi2) parallel to the lines of the common base and therefore of direction X, • rectangular capture zones (ZCi): orthogonal at z, therefore parallel to each other, at the common base lo (BC) and at the lines (LCi2) of alignment of the optical centers; possibly coplanar; placed at a distance fi from the optical center (Ci), or even at a distance common to all the zones associated with the optical centers aligned on (LCi2), or at a distance f common to all the zones; - Of specified physical size, for example li and hi, or of identical physical size in batches (1i2, hie) or globally (I, h) according to the choices made above for the distances between capture area and optical center; 20 - decentred with respect to their respective optical axis (AOi, Fig. 2) at points Ii so that the lines (I; Ci ,, Fig. 2) which define the viewing axes (AVi) all pass through the point of fixed convergence PS. It will be noted that the capture zones (ZCi) are parallel to the common base (BC). The virtual sensors that they define therefore have a capture axis perpendicular to the common base (BC) but the projection pyramids have sighting axes (AVi) (or main axes) converging towards the point PS. In addition to the data representative of the reproduction parameters (21), the configuration module (22) uses, to generate said configuration (25), the data representative of the global reference (27) representing the ( s) choice of the operator of the system in terms of position (s) and orientation (s) of observation of the scene. To represent the choices of the operator in terms of capture and translate them into an operational configuration (25), the configuration module s (22) uses, in addition to these parameters (21) and (27), the data (23). ) representative of at least one configuration parameter. Depending on the nature of the configuration parameters used, this module (22) is declined in several ways that leave more or less freedom to the operator.

Constrained modalities In some embodiments, said perfect relief effect, the data (23) representative of at least one configuration parameter comprise data (23d) representative of a parameter defining a relief rendered without any deformation with respect to the relief of the scene 15 captured. In some embodiments, this parameter will be used following the selection of a user's choice on the interface (13) that wishes to have a rendering of the scene without any deformation. In other embodiments, this parameter is actually implicit because the system is preconfigured to generate only the configuration data (25) for a perfect relief and the module (22) actually uses only the parameters ( 27) and (21), without requiring parameter (23) indicating the perfect relief since it is the only modality envisaged. In this case of the perfect relief, the parameters (25i) can be calculated as follows (with the sets of parameters chosen as an example): 25 fi can be imposed or arbitrarily chosen b'iE {1 ... n} x { 1 ... m} Izi = Lf / di2 hzi = H fi / di2 dXi = oi fi / di2 dYi = pi2 fi / di2 dZi = fi Xi / scn = X / scn Yi / scn = Y / scn pXi = oi PYi = Pi2 PZi = di2 = Ci / scn = PS / scn + oi • X / scn-Pi2 • Y / scn-di2 • Z / scn Moreover, as mentioned above, the distances f can be chosen equal in batches or globally. The set of parameters (25i) is then calculated from the common value (s) fi2 or f of the distances f, and shows that the capture zones have the same dimensions in batches or globally: fi2 imposed or arbitrarily chosen, di2 {{1 ... n} Izi = L f2 / di2 hzi = H fie / di2 dXi = oi fi2 / di2 dYi = Pi2 fi2 / di2 dZi = fi2 Xi / scn = X / scn, Yi / scn = Y / scn pXi = oi pYi = Pi2 pZi = di2 is Ci / scn = PS / scn + oi • X / scn-pi2.Y / scn-di2 • Z / scn f imposed or arbitrarily chosen Izi = L f / di2 hzi = H f / di2 dXi = oi f / di2 dYi = Pi2 f / di2 dZi = f Xi / scn = X / scn, Yi / scn = Y / scn pXi = oi 01. = Pi2 PZi = di2 is Ci / scn = PS / In this case of the perfect relief with capture zones of identical dimensions (constant ratio fi / di2), the skilled person will understand that with the data representative of the parameters (21) of restitution (L, H, di2, pi2 and oi) and the data representative of the reference (27) of capture (PS / scn, X / scn, Y / scn and Z / scn), it just set a s eul parameter (23) of configuration (common distance f, one of the distances fi or fi2, one of the common values of dimensions of the capture zones Izi, hzi, one of the offsets xi or yi). The other parameters can indeed be easily deduced from the equations above. The configuration module (22), in the embodiments dedicated to the perfect relief, can therefore use, as sole parameter (23) of configuration, the distance f or several distances fi or fi2, which can be chosen ( s) by the operator via the interface (13) or imposed arbitrarily, for example from the means (12) of storage and / or internal or external communication. The module (22) thus generates the configuration (25) from the reproduction parameters (21), the data defining the pickup mark (27) and data representative of at least one configuration parameter (23) defining a desired deformation for the relief effect and / or capture geometry, but the only configuration parameter (23) actually used may in fact be only an implicit parameter defining the absence of desired deformation. In the case of a system providing only this perfect relief modality, it is therefore understandable that the configuration parameters as such can be omitted and that only an implicit parameter will require the use of equations allowing a set relationship of the data representative of the restitution parameters (21) and the global coordinate system (27) equivalent to the relation defined by the equations above. Some embodiments of the invention therefore relate to a system (1) for generating a configuration (25) for capturing a plurality of nxm images of a virtual scene, these nxm images being intended for restitution on a least one multiscopic reproduction device, the capture being carried out by the projection of the scene on a plurality of nxm capture areas (ZC;) associated c hacune to an optical center (Ci), defining a virtual capture device, the system comprising data processing means (11) and means (12) for storage and / or internal or external communication and / or a user interface (13), characterized in that the processing means (11) execute a module (22) configuration generating data defining said configuration (25), allowing restitution with a perfect relief effect (without deformation), and representative of the positions, with respect to the scene, nxm optical centers (C;) and dimensions and positions, with respect to the scene, nxm capture areas (ZC;) associated with them, by linking at least the following data, 30 from means (12) for storing and / or communicating internally or externally and / or for the user interface (13): data representative of the positioning, the orientation and the possible conformation in the scene of at least a global capture mark (27) representing the choice (s) of the operator of the system in terms of position (s) and viewing orientations of the scene, s - representative data of restitution parameters (21), defining or allowing to deduce at least the dimensions of a chosen useful area of the playback device and the preferred viewing positions chosen for the playback device, where the recording is made by projecting the scene onto the nxm recording areas ( ZCi), through nxm pyramidal optical pickup beams supported on a rectangular base (BC) common to the nxm optical beams and arranged in the scene to be captured, the nxm beams each passing through one of the nxm optical centers (Ci) aligned , in batches, on one or more line (s), called straight lines (LCi2) of alignment of the centers, parallel (s) to one of the main directions of this common base (BC), the capture zones (ZCi ) corresponding to the intersection of these optical beams with at least one plane parallel to this common base (BC), the axes of sight (AVi) or main axes of the nxm optical beams, passing through their optical center (Ci), converging all towards the center (PS) of the common base (BC). Depending on the choices made for the distances between the capture zone and the optical center and with the sets of parameters chosen as an example, this configuration generation system intended for restitution with a perfect relief imposes a connection (by the module (22)). ) of the data representative of the marker (27) with the data representative of the reproduction parameters (21) according to the equations detailed above in the constraints mode. This configuration module may therefore for example use a configuration parameter (23) of configuration (for example implicit) defining a deformation-free relief effect, such as the aforementioned implicit parameter (23d), or simply using the corresponding or equivalent relations to equations detailed above in the constraints modality, without actually requiring such a parameter (especially if the perfect relief is the only functionality envisaged). Note that this modality without deformation corresponds to a relief relief without deformation and scale 1. It is possible to take into account a restitution without deformation with a global magnification factor different from 1 that can be chosen by the operator. This possibility is provided by the controlled relief modalities described below. Controlled relief modalities In some embodiments, the operator is freer of his settings and data representative of at least one configuration parameter (23) includes data representative of at least one set of parameters among the sets. of the following parameters: • set (23a) of internal capture parameters defining the capture geometry directly by at least the positions, with respect to a reference specific to the virtual capture device, the optical centers (Ci) and the positions of the capture areas (ZCi) on which the scene will be projected to form the nxm images; • set (23b) of external capture parameters defining the capture geometry from the convergence point (PS) by at least: the dimensions of the common base (BC) centered on the convergence point (PS); the precise positioning of the straight line (s) (LCi2) of alignment of the centers relative to the common base; the precise positioning of the optical centers (Ci) on these lines (LCi2) of alignment; and finally the precise position of the capture planes parallel to the common base that define the capture zones (ZCi) as their intersection with the projection beams. • set (23c) of deformation parameters defining the possible deformations for the relief rendering of the scene.

Figure 3 shows the capture geometry and shows, by way of example, two sets of parameters, one of which is called internal and the other external. The present invention, by virtue of these various sets (23a, 23b, 23c) of parameters, allows the user, in various embodiments of the system configuration module (22), allowing the features and modalities described herein, to select values for the internal capture parameters (23a) and / or values for the external capture parameters (23b) and / or values for the deformation parameters (23c). It will be understood from the following analysis that some of the parameters of these sets can be used to deduce other parameters of the same set or of another set. The invention therefore allows in fact various combinations of the embodiments described below, unless these embodiments are incompatible or that it is expressly mentioned.

Thanks to the analyzes of the reproduction and capture geometries made above, it is possible to connect the coordinates (X, Y, Z) in the coordinate system (27) of the U points (in 3D) of the virtual scene captured by the cameras. virtual vectors previously defined with the coordinates (xi, yi, zi) in the coordinate system (Ce, x, y, z) of their homologues perceived by an observer of the rendering device, placed in a preferential position (right eye in O; ) previously defined when the device operates in accordance with its prescriptions images generated by use of the configuration according to the invention, as described below. This relation between the 3D coordinates of the points of the scene and those of their images rendered by the device for this position is characterized for example by the homogeneous coordinate expression: Pi Yi 0 PiPi bi 0 1 0 0 0 k; -1) / d; E; a x; Y k; z; 1 X Y Z 1 which shows, in addition to a, calculation residue without any other importance, the deformation parameters (23c) which characterize it collectively. Homogeneous matrices thus make it possible to define the transformations between the initial space of the scene and the restitution space for each privileged position of observation n ° i. The deformation parameters (23c) can be individually identified in multiple ways, including, for example, as: • one (or more) factor (s) k; global magnification and particularly in depth, • one (or) parameters Ei control potential nonlinear deformation (which transforms a cube truncated pyramid), • one (or) rate p; relative magnification of width versus depth or desired horizontal anamorphosis / depth factor, • one or more relative magnification levels relative to the desired vertical / horizontal anamorphosis width or factor. • a rate (s) yi of horizontal shear of the perceived relief, • a (or) rate o; vertical shearing of the relief perceived by a plunging observer in accordance with that expected. The parameters of restitution (21), capture (internal 23a or external 23b) and deformation (23c) above are linked by a set of equations which results from the comparison between the coordinates (X, Y, Z). points (U) of the 3D virtual scene and those (xi, y;, zi) of their counterparts perceived by an observer of the rendering device. These equations resulting from this comparison allow several modalities or variants of the configuration module (22) which can for example and if necessary or useful: • calculate the external parameters (23b) and / or (23a) internal capture 30 as a function of the restitution parameters (21) and desired deformation parameters (23c), which enables the system to ensure that the desired deformation will actually be achieved at the relief rendering of the virtual scene. The equations then used are delivered hereinafter in the modality concerned control deformation. • calculate the parameters (23c) of deformation induced by the technical choices (parameters capture (23b) external and / or (23a) internal and restitution (21)), which allows the system to quantify precisely the perceptible deformations and present them textually or schematically to the operator to guide him in his choices. The equations then used are delivered hereinafter in the relevant modes of internal adjustment and external adjustment.

In addition to the global magnification factor k; which is not strictly speaking of a nature to distort the scene, the transformation of the relief therefore comprises four independent possibilities of deformation: 1. a global non-linearity which results in a deformation of the volume restored as a truncated pyramid when s; ≠ 1, 2. a horizontal slip or shear of the volume returned as a function of the depth when y; ≠ 0, 3. a vertical slip or shear of the volume restored as a function of depth when b; ≠ 0 and / or when the the actual embedding of the observer is different from the optimal embedding, 4. anamorphosis producing unequal dilatations of the 3 axes when f.1; ≠ 1 and / or p; # 1.

Thus, in order to make it possible to restore images with controlled deformation as without deformation, it is necessary, in certain modalities, that the capture of the images, the configuration of the rendering device (zone used) and the conditions of use (privileged positions). are defined jointly according to the desired deformation parameters. To allow a faithful reproduction of the relief (at close magnification), it is particularly appropriate, once the restitution conditions chosen, to configure the shooting (virtual capture geometry) so as to reduce these 4 potential deformations. This is obtained by the configuration module (22, FIG. 1) by ensuring, directly or indirectly, that the deformation parameters satisfy s; = 1, y; = 0, p; = 1, p; = 1 and finally b = 0. This last condition b = 0 is more delicate because it depends on the size of the observer who inevitably acts on its actual embedding vis-à-vis the device. It can then be ensured only for observers having the embedding defined in the parameters (21) of restitution for this observation position. On the other hand, to obtain a controlled deformation of the relief rendered, it is necessary to configure the shooting (capture geometry of the virtual scene) so as to obtain the desired parameterization of each of the 4 potential deformations. This is obtained by the configuration module (22) ts which allow the direct or indirect adjustment according to the modalities chosen of the deformation parameters c (and hence k; (E; -1) / d;), y;, p; p; and finally b. Here again, the vertical slip chosen b; can only be assured for observers having the embedding defined in the parameters (21) of restitution for this observation position. Internal Adjustment Mode In some embodiments, the configuration module (22) uses data representative of at least one configuration parameter (23) that includes data representative of the following capture geometry internal parameters (23a): at least one parameter defining the positioning of the optical centers (C;) vis-à-vis a reference specific to the virtual capture device, at least one parameter defining the orientation of the line of sight (AV; 30 of each virtual sensor, - at least one parameter defining the geometry of the effective projection pyramid of each capture zone (ZCi). This reference specific to the virtual capture device may be arbitrary, but must allow the precise identification of the position of the reference point of the capture around or reference which are positioned optical centers and capture areas (the convergence being not intrinsically assured in this modality, this point can not always be called a point of convergence), of the direction of capture Z orthogonal to the capture zones as of the common orientation X to perpendicular to z of the lines of all these zones of capture. It may, for example, be centered on the reference point, with its 3rd and 1st axes respectively oriented along Z and X defined above relative to the desired capture orientation. The optical centers (Ci) are, for example, chosen to be aligned in batches on one or more straight lines (LCi2) of alignment parallel to the lines of the capture zones, or of common direction (X). Thus, each point Ci of index i = (il, i2) is positioned on the alignment line LCi2 whose index is identical to its second index i2 and each of these straight lines LCi2 carries all the points Ci i = (il, i2), second index identical to theirs. This is expressed by 20 (C (il, i2>) e (LCi2) V (il, i2) E {1 ... n} x {1 ... m}. The positioning of the points Ci i = (there , i2) is thus prescribed by that of these straight lines (LCi2) of alignment which are, for example, defined by their distance Di2 along Z at the point of reference and their embedding Pi2 (offset along Y, vector product of Z and X, As an alternative and equivalent way, it can be expressed in polar form in the plane (YZ) passing through the reference point by a zenith angle and the Euclidean distance at this point or, again by the zenith and one of the two previous distances Die or Pie. These positions of each optical center (Ci) on the straight line (LCi2) of alignment which carries it, can for example be expressed by their x-coordinates ci on this right (according to X) with an origin for example in the plane (YZ) passing through the reference point, or in polar in the plane (XZ) by the azimuth angles (angles of the plane XY or of the plane YZ a with each of the planes parallel thereto through the reference point and each optical center), or alternatively, as detailed below, for regularly spaced optics, at least, per line (LCi2), an abscissa of an optical center and a constant bit / q i2 difference between these optical centers. This orientation of the axis of view (AVi) (or main axis) of each projection pyramid may, for example, be expressed in angles of azimuth and zenith of sight or relative characteristic distances shown in Figures 3, 4A and 4B: ~ o - the offset a; (along X), at the distance f (or fi2 or fi), from the center (I) of the capture zone (ZCi) with respect to the optical axis (AOi) of the optical center (Ci) associated with it, - the shift e; (according to Y), at the distance f, fie or fi, centers (Ii) of the capture zones (ZCi) with respect to the optical axis (AOi) (or at line 15 (LCi2) of the optical centers (Ci This geometry of the effective projection pyramid of each capture zone (ZCi) may for example be expressed by at least one parameter defining the openings of the effective projection pyramid of each capture zone, for example these openings may be given by the dimensional characteristics (dimensions (1, h), (li2, h12) or (1i, hi) at a distance f, fi2 or f;) or angular (angles of horizontal or azimuthal and vertical or zenithal openings) or other expressions within the reach of those skilled in the art Let us recall that the dimensional data of the pyramids a, ei, f1, li, 25 h, are relative since each multiplication of each of them by an identical factor leads to a similar projection pyramid that will give the exact same image. It is, however, customary to make all of them explicit for greater comfort, even if it means using an implicit rule that sets one of these values.

In these internal adjustment modes, the information (25i) enabling the configuration (25) to be defined can be calculated very simply (with the sets of parameters chosen as an example above) since the internal parameters (23a) are very directly involved. in the geometric description of the virtual sensors. Thus, according to the distance choices made, these parameters (25i) are obtained for example according to one of the following sets of equations: fi fi imposed or arbitrarily chosen ViE {1 ... n} x {1. ## EQU1 ## where d i = d i = d i = d i = x i = xi / i = x / scn, Yi / scn = Y / scn pXi = Ci is pYi = Pi2 pZi = Di2 Ci / scn = PS / scn + Ci.X / scn-P12.Y / scn-Di2.Z / scn ^ fi2 imposed or arbitrarily chosen Vi2 e {1 ... n} Izi = li2 hzi = hi2 dXi = ai dYi = ei dZi = fi2 X 1 / scn = X / scn, Yi / scn = Y / scn pXi = ci pYi = Pi2 pZi = D2 is Ci / scn = PS / scn + Ci.X / scn-Pi2 • Y / scn-Di2 • Z / scn 20 ^ f imposed or arbitrarily chosen Izi = I hzi = h dXi = ai dYi = ei dZi = f Xi / scn = X / scn, Yi / scn = Y / scn pXi = ci pYi = Pi2 pZi = Di2 25 Let Ci In some embodiments, when the optical centers are desired regularly spaced on their alignment line (in particular, but not only, when the multiscopic feedback device proposes privileged observation positions spaced evenly and that the operator desires a relief without deformation or linear deformation), the set of internal parameters (23a) used by the configuration module (22) can be reduced by replacing, globally or in batches, abscissa c; by the information representative of an abscissa (unique for example c (l, o) or by a straight line, for example c (1, 12) and the inter-optical distance separating the two optical centers supposed to capture the left and right views intended to the expected observer in all the privileged positions or on each string of the rendering device.This inter-optic gap is then defined globally B or by the straight line Bit.These reduced settings easily replace the previous ones for the generation of the configuration parameters ( 25i) by the substitutions below in the above equations: c (; l,; 2) = c (l, o) + (il-1) B / q for the overall reduction, ^ COI, i2) = c ( 1, i 2) + (il-1) B i 2 / q 2 for the batch reduction According to various embodiments, as already mentioned, the system also incorporates a man / machine interface (13) which interface can be arranged here to enable interactive management (consultation, editing, saving) internal capture arameters stored in (23a), then the configuration module (22), after consultation of the information defined by the data representative of the global storage reference (27) memorized, calculates and saves and / or transfers, in one or more means (12) for storing and / or communicating internally or externally, data (25i) characteristic of each virtual sensor comprising sufficient parameters to correctly position, in the virtual scene, the optical centers (C;), (optional system ) and the capture zones (ZC;) (dimensional or angular approach). Finally, it should be noted that in this internal adjustment mode, the operator is responsible for ensuring that the internal parameters provided correspond to a convergence of all the reference axes at the reference point. In some embodiments, the configuration module (22) can be arranged to alert the user via the interface (13) man / machine, on the non respect of this need. For example, the 3o module (22) configuration may include (or cooperate with) a verification module verifying the seizures made and controlling the display of alert messages. In addition, the error correction can be carried out by the configuration module (22), or another specific optional module, so as to automatically adjust this convergence by setting certain parameters (the c ;, a; in particular) not yet given as soon as possible. when enough parameters (eg e ;, f ;, as well as any two pairs c ;, any) have already been provided to identify the point of convergence (PS). In variants of these previous embodiments relating to the internal adjustment mode, an optional module for assisting the operator (cooperating with or implemented in the configuration module (22) and / or the control module of the interface (13) man / machine) is configured so as to calculate, from the parameters (21) of restitution and (23a) capturing internal that they handle, and only when the axes of sight are convergent, the deformation of relief (Digital ls values of the deformation parameters (23c)) induced by the current settings and present them to the operator. The equations involved, on the sets of parameters chosen for example (with here, for the sake of generality an individual parameterization of each capture area (f ;, I; h;) while this setting may be batch or global), can be expressed as: 20 k = di2 / Di2 p = bi2 / (B12 ki) Ei = bi2 (/) (Bi2 L Di2) Pi = I; H / (h; L) yi = (bi 2 c - Bi 2 o 1) / (Bi 2 di 2) 8 i = (Bi 2 p - Bi 2 Pi Pi) / (Bi 2 di 2)

In certain embodiments, the optional operator assistance module (cooperating with or implemented in the configuration module (22) and / or the control module of the man / machine interface (13)) is arranged to show by graphic representation or synthesis of images in a static or interactive view, the effect on an object of predetermined shape (parallelepiped, sphere, ...) of the deformations involved by the current values of the parameters chosen by the user in the interface. 3o These last variants (presentation of the deformation involved in a textual or graphic form) give the operator a real control of the deformation that his choices imply and thus justify the denomination of deformation modality of controlled relief.

In some embodiments, the data representative of at least one configuration parameter (23) comprise data representative of the following external collection geometry parameters (23b): at least one parameter defining, directly or indirectly , to the dimensions of the common base (BC) centered on the convergence point (PS) and oriented implicitly in a reference specific to the virtual capture device, - at least one parameter defining the precise positioning of the line (s) (LCi2) alignment of the centers, relative to the common base (BC) and parallel to its lines. at least one parameter defining the precise positioning of the optical centers (Ci) on these lines (LCi2) of alignment, - at least one parameter defining the precise position of the capture planes parallel to the common base (BC) which define the zones 20 of capture (ZCi) as their intersection with the projection beams. This reference specific to the virtual capture device can be arbitrary, but must allow the precise identification of the position of the convergence point that exists by construction in this modality and the 2 main directions of the common base (BC): X oriented according to the lines of the future captures, Y oriented according to their columns. This marker may, for example, be centered on the point of convergence (PS), with its first and second axes respectively oriented X and Y defined above relative to the orientation of the common base (BC).

These dimensions of the common base (BC) can be expressed conventionally by 2 lengths Lb (width) and Hb (height) or alternatively a parameter setting ratio / diagonal. This positioning of the lines (LCi2) carrying the optical centers (Ci) and s parallel to x (lines of the common base (BC)) is, for example, defined by their distance Die to the common base (according to Z, vector product of X and Y) and their dipping Pie (offset along Y with respect to the point of convergence (PS)). In an alternative and equivalent way, it can be expressed in polar in the plane (YZ) passing through the point of convergence (PS) by a zenith angle ~ o and the Euclidean distance to (PS) or, again by the zenith and the one of the two previous distances Di2 or Pie. These positions of each optical center (Ci) on the line (LCi2) which carries it, can for example be expressed by their abscissa ci on this line (along X) with an origin for example in the plane (PS, Y, Z) , which amounts to considering these abscissae as lateral offsets of the optical centers with respect to (PS), or in polar in the plane (XZ) by the azimuth angles (angles of the plane XY or of the plane YZ with each of the planes parallel to Y passing through the reference point and each optical center), or else, as detailed hereinafter, for optics regularly spaced, at least, by line (LCi2), an abscissa of one optical center and a constant bit / q i2 gap between these optical centers. These positions of the planes (XY) carrying each capture zone (ZCi) can be expressed for example by their distance to the common base (BC) or, equivalently, their distance f1 to their associated optical center (Ci). Recall that these dimensional data make it possible to position the plane carrying each capture zone (ZCi) which is then defined as the projection of the common base (BC), through (Ci), on this plane. Thus, these distances are of little importance because all the dimensional characteristics of the projection pyramids are proportional to them and 3o only the relative values of these dimensions are relevant. It is, however, customary to make these distances more comfortable, even if it means using an implicit rule to fix them individually (fi), in batches (fi2) or globally (f). In this case, the information (25i) enabling the configuration (25) to be defined can be calculated for example (with the sets of parameters chosen as examples), according to one of the following sets of equations according to the choices of distance operated: ^ fi imposed or arbitrarily chosen `di {{1 ... n} x {1 ... m} Izi = Lb fi / Di2 hzi = Hb fi / Di2 dXi = ci fi / Di2 dYi = Pi2 ## EQU1 ## where ## EQU1 ## where ## EQU1 ## where ## STR1 ## Di2 • Z / scn ^ fi2 imposed or arbitrarily chosen Vi2E {1 ... n} Izi = Lbf2 / Di2 hzi = Hbf2 / Di2 dXi = ci fi2 / Di2 dYi = Pi2f2 / Di2 dZi = fi2 Xi / scn = X / scn, Yi / scn = Y / scn pXi = ci pYi = Pi2 pZi = D2 is Ci / scn = PS / scn + Ci.X / scn-Pi2 • Y / scn-Di2 • Z / scn ^ f imposed or chosen arbitrarily Izi = Lb f / Di2 hzi = Hb f / Di2 dXi = ci f / Di2 dYi = Pi2 f / Di2 dZi = f Xi / scn = X / scn, Yi / scn = Y / scn pXi = ci or pYi = Pi2 pZi = Di2 Ci / scn = PS / scn + Ci • X / scn-Pi2.Y / scn-Di2 • Z / scn In some embodiments, when The optical centers are wanted regularly spaced on their alignment line, the set of internal parameters (23b) used by the configuration module (22) can be reduced by replacing, overall or in batches, the abscissa ci by the representative information. of an abscissa (unique for example c (l, o) or by 3o right, for example c (1, 12) and the inter-optical distance separating the 2 optical centers supposed to capture the left and right views intended for the observer expected in all privileged positions or on each string of the rendering device. This inter-optical gap is then defined globally B or by right Bit. These reduced settings easily replace the previous ones for generating the configuration parameters (25i) by substituting the following in the previous equations: • c (j1, j2) = C (1,0) + (il-1) B / q for the overall reduction, ^ c (; l 12) = c (l, i2) + (il-1) B i2 / q i2 for the batch reduction. According to various embodiments, as already mentioned, the system also incorporates a man / machine interface (13). This interface ~ o may be arranged here to enable interactive management (consultation, editing, saving) external capture parameters stored in (23b), and then after consulting the information defined by the data representative of the global reference (27) memorized capture , the configuration module (22) calculates and saves and / or transfers, in one or more means (12) for storage and / or internal or external communication, data (25) characteristic of each virtual sensor comprising sufficient parameters to correctly position, in the virtual scene, the optical centers (C;), (system of choice) and the capture areas (ZC;) (dimensional or angular approach). In variants of these previous embodiments relating to the external adjustment mode, an optional operator assistance module (cooperating with, or implemented in the configuration module (22) and / or the control module of the interface (13) man / machine) is configured so as to calculate, from the parameters (21) of restitution and (23b) external capture that they handle, the deformation of relief (numerical values of the deformation parameters (23c )) induced by the current settings and present them to the operator. The equations involved, on the sets of parameters chosen for example, can be expressed as: ki = di2 / Di2 pi = bit / (Bi2 ki) Ei = bit Lb / (Bi2 L) p1 = Lb H / (Hb L Yi = (bi2 ci - Bit oi) / (Bi2 die) bi = (Bi2 Pie - bi2 Pi Pie) / (Bi2 die)

In some embodiments, the optional operator assistance module (cooperating with, or implemented in, the configuration module (22) and / or the control module of the man / machine interface (13)) is arranged to show by graphic representation or synthesis of images in a static or interactive view, the effect on an object of predetermined shape (parallelepiped, sphere, ...) of the deformations implied by ~ o the current values of the parameters chosen by the in the interface. These latter variants (presentation of the deformation involved in a textual or graphical form) give the operator a real control of the deformation that his choices imply and therefore justify the denomination of controlled relief deformation modality. It will be noted that the parameters of this modality are said to be external because they describe the scene-oriented elements of the multiple capture: convergence point (PS), common base (BC) and positions of the optical centers (Ci) from which are captured the views, as opposed to the internal setting 20 which focuses on describing the individual and intimate geometric settings of each pair (optical center, capture area). These external parameters make it possible to simply characterize the internal parameters according to, for example, the following remarks and equations: ## EQU1 ## where are the two parameterizations: ## EQU1 ## Thus, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that many intermediate modalities between the two proposed here for example (internal adjustment and external adjustment) could be described and described in FIG. would allow the invention to be implemented under similar conditions.

Deformation control mode In certain embodiments, the data representative of at least one configuration parameter (23) comprise data representative of at least one parameter among the following deformation parameters (23c), defined for each position of observation n ° i: • one (or more) factor (s) k; of overall magnification and in particular in depth, • one (or more) parameter (s) E; control of the potential nonlinear deformation (which transforms a cube into a truncated pyramid), • a (or) rate p; relative magnification of width versus depth or desired horizontal anamorphosis / depth factor, • one (or more) p rates; relative magnification of height versus desired width or vertical / horizontal anamorphosis factor, • y rate (s); horizontal shear of the perceived relief, • one (or) rate b; vertical shearing of the relief perceived by a plunging observer in accordance with that expected. These deformation parameters are given only as illustrative examples. They can be defined for each position, in batches or globally. Those skilled in the art may also define deformation in many other forms without departing from the spirit of the invention. It will also be noted that in some embodiments the system uses only one deformation parameter. This parameter can, in some embodiments, concern the magnification factor k, which is not really a deformation but which gives the proportions of the images simply dilated or contracted with respect to the relief of the virtual scene if s = 1, y = 0, p = 1, p = 1 and b = 0. Note that in the case where k; = 1, we find the conditions for a perfect relief (rendered relief without deformation) mentioned above and a scene restored with a relief 3o identical to that of the captured scene. In those cases where the configuration parameters (23) comprise these deformation parameters (23c), the information (25i) can be calculated as follows (with the parameter sets chosen as an example): f; imposed or chosen, individually ViE {1 ... n} x {1 ... m}, in batches 5 Vi2e {1 ... n} or globally Iz; = L f; / (p; di2) hz; = H f; c; / (p; pd; 2) dX; = fi (oi + yi di2) / (hi di2) dY; = f; (pi - bi di2) / (p pi di2) dZ; = f; X 1 / scn = X / scn, Yi / scn = Y / scn pXi = (oi + yi di2) / (ki pi) pYi = (pi-bi di2) / (ki p1p) pZi = di2 / ki 10 Ci / scn = PS / scn + (oi + yi di2) / (ki hi) • X / scn - (pi - bi di2) / (ki p pi) • Y / scn - di2 / k; .Z / scn According to various modes embodiment, as already mentioned, the system also incorporates a man / machine interface (13). This interface may be arranged here to enable interactive management (consultation, editing, saving) of the deformation parameters stored in 15 (23c), and then after consulting the information defined by the data representative of the parameters (21) of restitution and the global reference 27), the configuration module (22) calculates and saves and / or transfers, in one or more means (12) of storage and / or internal or external communication, data (25) characteristic of each virtual sensor comprising enough parameters to correctly position, in the virtual scene, the optical centers (C;), and the capture areas (ZC;) according to the above equations for example. This modality may, optionally, propose a choice of direct return to the set of parameters associated with an absence of deformation with or without constraint on the global magnification factor (s) k. As mentioned above, the interface (13) may involve an optional operator assistance module (cooperating with or implemented in the configuration module) which shows it by graphical representation or synthesis of images. effect on an object of predetermined shape (parallelepiped, sphere, ...) of the deformations implied by the current values of the parameters managed in the interface.

In variants of these embodiments concerning the deformation control modality, an optional operator assistance module (cooperating with, or implemented in the configuration module (22)) is configured to calculate, from parameters (21) of restitution and (23c) deformation that they manipulate, the internal or external settings of the virtual capture device (numerical values of the to parameters (23a) and / or (23b)) induced by the deformations chosen and the present to the operator. The equations involved, on the sets of parameters chosen for example, can be expressed, for the external parameters (23b) according to: ci = (oi + ri di2) / (ki hi) Pi2 = (Pi - di2) / ( ki P Ni) Die = die / ki. Lb = L if / (ki pi) Hb = H if / (ki p pi) fi imposed or selected, individually at diE {1 ... n} x {1 ... m}, in batches Vi2E {1. ..n} or globally

and for the internal parameters (23a) according to: 20 ci = (oi + Yi d ~ 2) / (ki pi) Pie = (pi - 8i di2) / (ki p pi) Die = die / ki. fi imposed or chosen, individually b'iE {1 ... n} x {1 ... m}, by lots Vi2E {1 ... n} or globally Ii = L fi Ei / (hi die) ai = fi (oi + Yi diz) / (hi) hi = Hfisi / (Pipdie) ei = fi (pi-bi di2) / (p pi say) 25 These last variants (presentation of the internal and / or external settings associated with a deformation chosen) give the operator a means of self-training with direct control of the relief effect that could be useful to him in the other embodiments of the invention. Using the capture configuration Thus, the different modalities allow the operator, through the various variants of the interface (13) and / or the configuration module (22) (and optional modules), to edit and storing and / or transferring, in one or more storage means (12) and / or internal or external communication, the various data defined in the embodiments detailed above and representing the restitution constraints (device) and the choices of the user (direct adjustment of the internal geometry of the sensors, direct adjustment but guided by the point of convergence, of this collective collecting geometry, or indirect adjustment of the capture by direct control of the induced deformations) and then to define the parameters (25i) representative of a plurality of nxm virtual cameras constituting a virtual capture system positioned in the scene using the global heading reference (27) and / or to store and / or transfer them in the storage medium (s) (12) and / or internal or external communication.

In some embodiments, all or part of the data from which the configuration module (22) determines said configuration (25) are variable over time, with data from the storage means (12) and / or internal or external communication and / or user interface (13) and defining at least one time reference (29) for the change of the data (23) representative of the configuration and / or data representative of the global reference (27) capture and / or restitution data (21) (especially the privileged observation positions). These data defining at least one temporal reference (29) can define discrete evolutions (couples (instant, new value) for example) as continuous evolutions (time functions associated with certain values, interpolated key values, ...). These data may come from the means (12) of storage and / or 3o internal or external communication, to define programmed or controlled variations of the capture over time. In a variant, some of these data are generated as a function of at least one action of the user on the user interface (13). Thus, the user can define the variations of the capture, for example using a controlled navigation, for example, by input means such as a pointer (a mouse, a 3D pointing device for example) . The variation of all or part of the data representative of the reference (27) capture thus allows conventional effects traveling around the scene or interactive navigation. The variation of all or part of the data representative of the configuration parameters (23) makes it possible, according to the set of data chosen (external, internal or deformation parameters), to control directly or indirectly, in a programmed or interactive manner, the evolution of the restored relief deformation and capture parameters (point of convergence, position of the optical centers, projection pyramids, etc.). The variation of all or part of the data representative of the restitution (21) makes it possible to adjust the capturing device according to the evolutionary positions of the observers. This allows in particular the interactive monitoring of one or more observers to whom it is desired to propose an intrinsic relief viewing experience around which they can, within certain limits, move to approach it from various angles in a very natural way. . The system (1) according to the invention generating the parameters (25i) for defining the capture nxm pyramids, thanks to the configuration module (22), makes it possible to define a configuration (25) of shots. This configuration can be used to generate images or sequences of computer generated images of a static or dynamic virtual scene. For this purpose, the system (1) may comprise or be associated with an image synthesis module using the configuration (25) generated by the configuration module (22) to generate these images or image sequences, by means of 3o data (24) representative of static and evolutive positions and characteristics of constituents of a three-dimensional virtual scene, or of a series of computer instructions or graphic orders making it possible to define this same scene, these data (24) coming from means (12) for storing and / or communicating internally or externally. By using the configuration (25) produced by the module (22), the image synthesis module will generate images or image sequences, which, once appropriately mixed, can be restored by a rendering multiscopic rendering device. the relief of the scene. It is thus clear that the system (1) for generating the configuration can then form (or be associated with) a system for generating nxm images or sequences of synthesis images intended for rendering a static three-dimensional virtual scene or dynamic. The invention therefore also relates to a use of the data (25) representative of the positioning of the nxm optical centers (C;) and the dimensions and positioning of the nxm capture areas (ZC;) with respect to the scene and defining said configuration according to the invention for generating nxm images or image sequences of a virtual, static or dynamic scene. We will speak here to simplify the generation of nxm images, whether in fact static images or sequences of images (dynamic flow, for example a video). This generation of nxm images (image synthesis) is performed by an image synthesis module (MSI) executed on processing means. These processing means may be those of the configuration generation system or at least one other computer system. The image synthesis module (MSI) is therefore executed by the system (1) for generating the configuration or by another system comprising data processing means (11) executing the synthesis module (MSI). images and means (12) for storing and / or communicating internally or externally and / or a user interface (13). This image synthesis module (MSI) generates data (28) representative of the nxm images or sequences of synthetic images from: - data (25) representative of the positions of the nxm optical centers (C;) and the dimensions and positioning the nxm capture areas (ZC;) with respect to the scene and defining said pattern (25); data representative of either static and evolutive positions and features, constituents of a three-dimensional virtual scene, or a sequence of computer instructions or graphic orders defining the same scene. The invention therefore also provides a system for generating a plurality of nxm images (or image synthesis system) of a virtual scene, these nxm images being intended for restitution on at least one multiscopic reproduction device, the captation being performed by the projection of the scene on a plurality of nxm capture areas (ZC;) each associated with an optical center (C;), defining a virtual capture device, the system comprising means (11) of treatment of data and means (12) for storing and / or communicating internally or externally and / or a user interface (13), characterized in that: the processing means (11) execute a configuration module (22) generating data defining a capture configuration (25), allowing a restitution with a determined relief effect, and representative of the positions, with respect to the scene, of the nxm optical centers (C;) and dimensions and positionings, relative to the scene, nxm capture areas (ZC;) associated with them, by linking at least the following data, from the means (12) of storage and / or internal or external communication of the system and / or coming from the user interface (13): data representative of the positioning, the orientation and the possible conformation in the scene of at least one global reference (27) capture signal representing the choice (s) of the operator of the system in terms of position (s) and viewing orientations of the scene, data representative of at least one parameter (23) of configuration, defining a desired deformation for the relief effect and / or a capture geometry, the capture being carried out by the projection of the scene on the nxm capture zones (ZC;), through nxm pyramidal optical collection beams supported on a rectangular base (BC) common nxm optical beams and arranged in the scene to be captured, the nxm beams each passing through one of the nxm optical centers (Ci) aligned, in batches, on one or more line (s), said straight (LCi2) of alignment of the centers, parallel (s) to one of the main directions of this common base (BC), the capture areas (ZCi) corresponding to the intersection of these optical beams with at least one plane parallel to this common base 15 (BC), the axes of sight (AV;) or principal axes of nxm optical beams, passing through their optical center (Ci), all converging towards the center (PS) of the common base (BC), - representative data of parameters (21) of restitution, defining or enabling to deduce at least the dimensions of a chosen useful area of the rendering device and the preferred observation positions chosen for the rendering device. the processing means (11) of the system or of an associated computer system, execute an image synthesis module (MSI) generating data (28) representative of the nxm images or sequences of computer-generated images from said data (25) defining the configuration and data (24) representative of either static or evolutive positions and features of constituents of a three-dimensional virtual scene, or a sequence of computer instructions or graphic orders for defining this same scene.

According to various embodiments, this system can be configured to generate images with perfect relief, according to the relationships explained with reference to the constraints modality or to generate images with controlled relief effect according to the relations explained with reference to modalities controlled relief, internal adjustment or external adjustment and deformation control. It will therefore be understood from the foregoing that the image generation system (image synthesis system) may, according to various embodiments, either generate the configuration itself, or make use of a generated configuration. in advance by the system (1) for generating the configuration. In the embodiments where the image synthesis system uses the generated configuration (25), it actually allows a configuration (25) or configuration definition parameters (25i) to be selected via the interface (13). ), among a plurality of configurations (25) 1s determined from the means (12) for storage and / or internal or external communication, the module (22) for configuring the image generation system can then simply be (or be replaced by) an application controlling the interface to display the various proposed configurations and to take into account the choices and actions of the operator. In variants of these embodiments, the stored configurations (25) may be associated with data defining at least one time reference (29) for changing all or part of the configuration over time. Likewise, in variants of these embodiments, the configuration module may be associated with, or comprise, a decision support module, such as one of the optional modules described above. For example, this help module may show the result of the envisaged configuration, in terms of deformation (for example on a displayed 3D object) and / or in terms of capture geometry (for example on a graphical representation 3o showing the angles or the pyramids of capture). Those skilled in the art will understand that the various features described herein can be transposed from one system to another.

The data (24) representative of the scene may include parameters allowing the explicit representation of the constituents of a scene to produce the nxm images. According to the modalities acceptable by the image synthesis module (MSI), the data (24) representative of the scene may correspond in particular to the positioning, to the shape and to the material of objects, as well as to the positioning and characteristics optical illuminants, etc ... as known in the field. The data (24) representative of the scene may comprise computer instructions of the graphic order type corresponding to the implicit representation of the constituents of a scene to produce the nxm images. According to the modalities acceptable by the module (MSI), the data (24) may correspond in particular to instructions for geometric, photometric and optical definitions in a binary language or source acceptable by the module (MSI). These data (24) representative of the scene may, as mentioned above, be stored in storage means of the image synthesis system or storage means accessible by the image synthesis system; ie via means of communication with other systems, or even be present in the system only through means of communication. For example, it is possible for image synthesis to perform a collaborative CAD (Computer Aided Design) in which several CAD systems cooperate to perform the image synthesis by exchanging the necessary data (24) via channels. communication 25 (network, such as intranet or internet) with possible centralization of data. In addition, it is possible for the representative scene data (24) to be obtained directly from internal communication channels, such as buses or other processes. For example, the image synthesis module, in a modality 3o referred to as a wrapper, can be (or include, or be associated with, a module) arranged to directly intercept calls made, for example, to a card or a graphic library, to generate the computer generated images from the intercepted data. In this case, the description of the scene is in fact implicit since it corresponds in fact to a succession of orders or graphical instructions obtained, for example, on the fly. It is thus clear that the data (24) representative of the virtual scene can be stored in storage means of the storage memory type or the volatile memory type and / or come from communication means with other systems. Note that these notions are also transferable to the different types of data described here (except for the fact that these data do not concern graphic instructions as in the case of the wrapper, but can nevertheless be present in a volatile way in a bus or other process). These notions are in particular transferable to the data representative of the configurations (25) used, since they can in fact come from memories internal to the system that uses them or from external memories and volatile memories (via means of internal and / or external communication ). These various possibilities are referred to here by the means (12) of storage and / or communication possibly qualified as internal (for example the wrapper case) or externally (as in the case of collaborative CAD, for example). for the aforementioned temporal variations for all or part of the configuration parameters (23a, 23b, 23c) and / or the parameters of the marker (27) and / or of the reproduction parameters (21), during the image synthesis , the parameters (24) for defining the 3D virtual scene may vary over time, thus the virtual scene may be dynamic, with data defining at least one temporal reference (29) and discrete and / or continuous evolutions of certain In such a dynamic scene, the invention makes it possible in addition to 3o to vary the points of view (tracking, interactive monitoring of observer (s)) and / or the deformations thanks to the variations of all or configuration parameters (23) and / or the mark (27) and / or the restitution (21), as previously explained. In some embodiments, the image synthesis module (MSI) generates all or part of said data (28) representative of the nxm synthetic images, static or corresponding to the same time step in their respective sequence, thanks to the execution multiple instances of an image synthesis software. In certain variants, it will be possible, for example, to have the nxm instances distributed over several computer systems, controlled by a central system, for example the system (1) to generate the configuration. In some embodiments, the image synthesis module (MSI) generates all or part of said data (28) representative of the nxm synthetic images, static or corresponding to the same time step in their respective sequence, by the same instance of is an image synthesis software designed to perform in parallel several treatments on the fly. It should be noted here that these embodiments with nxm instances and with a single instance are not mutually incompatible because it is possible to use these two types of processing at the same time by producing fewer nxm instances of the module (MSI) each producing many of the nxm 20 images. In some embodiments, the nxm images or sequences of synthesis images generated by the image synthesis module (MSI) may be stored or transmitted to other processes or systems by the means (12) of storage and / or internal or external communication, for example for later mixing, mixing by another process or remote mixing. In other embodiments, the nxm images or sequences of synthesis images generated by the image synthesis module (MSI) are subjected to a spatial and / or temporal mixing which will allow their direct restitution (after transmission) on a device 3o multiscopic. This mix will be adapted to the multiscopic playback device chosen, thanks to a mixing module (MX) using data (DR) representative of the technical characteristics of the playback device (spatial and temporal modes of the mix, for example, masks of mixtures of the nxm images on the useful area, frequency and phase of the time mixing ...) for generating data (DX) representative of the nxm images or sequences of images mixed appropriately for their reproduction on the playback device. In these embodiments where the images are mixed, the data (DX) representative of the mixed images can be stored or transmitted to other processes or systems by the means (12) of storage and / or internal or external communication , for example with a view to a subsequent multiscopic reproduction, use by another process of the system or use by a remote system, and / or being transmitted to at least one rendering device corresponding to the device chosen during the configuration (25) of the capture. It will be noted here that the present description mentions means (12) of storage and of internal or external communication which are represented in the figures as belonging to the system (1) of generation, but it must be obvious that the invention makes it possible to distribute the 20 various types of data described herein in several different storage and communication means and that several computer systems will cooperate to enable the various features described herein. In the case where the processing means successively execute nxm instances of the image synthesis software and where the (sequences of) images are transmitted directly to the multiscopic reproduction device, the execution speeds of the nxm instances and of mixing must be sufficient to allow the generation of the mixed images in a sufficiently short time to allow the display by the multiscopic screen.

It is thus understood that the invention makes it possible to configure a capture of nxm images and makes it possible to generate these images intended for multiscopic rendering in relief (once mixed).

The invention therefore also relates to a method for generating a plurality of nxm images or image sequences of a virtual scene, static or dynamic, as shown in an illustrative and nonlimiting manner in the figure. 6. These nxm images or sequences of images being intended for restitution on at least one rendering device to multiscopic, and correspond to the projection of the static or dynamic virtual scene on a plurality of nxm capture areas (ZC) associated each at an optical center (C;). This method is implemented by at least one system comprising data processing means (11) and internal and external storage and / or communication means (12) and / or a user interface (13), and comprises the following steps: • generation (41), by a configuration module (22), of data representative of a configuration (25) of the capture, allowing a restitution with a determined or controlled relief effect, and representative of the positions, by nxm optical centers (C;) and the dimensions and positions, relative to the scene, of the nxm capture areas (ZC;) associated with them, based on at least the following data, from the means (12) for storing and / or communicating internally or externally and / or for the user interface (13): data representative of the positioning, the orientation and the possible conformation in the scene from to minus a mark re (27) overall capture, - data representative of at least one configuration parameter (23), defining a desired deformation for the relief effect and / or a capture geometry, the capture being achieved by the projection of the virtual scene on the nxm capture areas (ZCi) through nxm pyramidal optical beams of capture supported on a rectangular base (BC) common to the nxm optical beams, arranged in the scene, the beams each passing by one of the nxm optical centers (Ci) aligned on one or more lines (LCi2) parallel to the lines of this common base (BC), the capture areas (ZCi) corresponding to the intersection of these optical beams with at least one plane parallel to this base common (BC), the axes of sight (AVi) or the main axes of nxm optical beams, passing through their optical center (Ci), all converging towards the center (PS) of the common base (BC), representative data d e parameters (21) of restitution, defining or making it possible to deduce at least the dimensions of a useful area of the chosen restitution device and the preferred observation positions supposed to be aligned, at least in pairs, on one or more lines (LOi2 parallel to the lines of the rendering device. Virtual capture (42) of the scene by generation, by an image synthesis module (MSI) 20, of data (28) representative of the nxm images or virtual image sequences from said data (25) representative of said configuration and data (24) representative of either static or dynamic positioning and characteristics of constituents of a virtual three-dimensional scene, or of a series of computer instructions or graphic orders making it possible to define this same scene, these data (24) from the means (12) for storing and / or communicating internally or externally and / or the user interface (13). In some embodiments, the step of generating (42) the data (28) representative of the nxm synthetic images, static or corresponding to the same time step in their respective sequence, by the synthesis module (MSI) of image, comprises execution steps (421 n) of multiple instances of an image synthesis software (LSI instances). In other embodiments, this generation step (42) comprises a step of executing (422) an instance of an image synthesis software arranged to perform in parallel several image captures in one and the same time. instance (multi-processing LSI instance). In other intermediate embodiments, this generation step (42) includes execution steps (421n) of multiple multi-process instances. It is indeed possible to combine ~ o the execution (421n) of multiple instances of an image synthesis software and the execution (422) of an instance of an image synthesis software arranged to realize in parallel several captations of images in the same instance. It will be noted that the method according to the invention may, in certain embodiments, include various steps for performing the various functions described above in connection with the system for generating the configuration and the use of the configuration for the generation of the nxm images or image sequences, according to the various methods described. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the method may comprise at least one step (40) of input and / or selection and / or editing and / or consultation and / or backup by the operator through the interface ( 13) user. This step (40) allows the operator to control the implementation of the various process steps by the system (as shown in Figure 6). The method may also comprise at least one storage / communication step (43), either of the configuration (25), or of the images generated, or of the result of the mixing of the images, thanks to the storage means (12) and / or internal or external communication. The method may also comprise at least one step of mixing (44) the images, so as to obtain mixed images that can be used by the reproduction devices 3o, this mixing step (44) being able to be followed by a storage step (43). ) or a step of transmitting (45) the result of the mixing to at least one playback device. The method may therefore include a step of transmitting (45) to at least one rendering device, either images generated by the system, or the result of the mixing. In certain variants, especially when the image synthesis module (MSI) is implemented in a computer system different from the system (1) for generating the configuration (25), the transmission step (45) can be implemented. in a manner (not shown) to transmit the configuration (25) to the image synthesis module (MSI) to generate the images from this configuration. Those skilled in the art will understand, on reading the description of the various connections between the data representative of the various parameters used by the configuration module, made with reference to the generation system (1) and the reproduction and capture geometries, is that the method may comprise at least one parameter setting step (21, 27, 23a, 23b, 23c ...) during the generation step (41) of the configuration. It will also be understood that the generation of images (image synthesis) can be made from configurations (25) previously determined by a system (1) for generating the configuration, used by an image generation system. the invention also provides a method comprising a step of using at least one configuration originating from means (12) for storing and / or communicating internally or externally to which the image synthesis module (MSI) for accessing implementation step (42) of the images (image synthesis step), the (or) configuration (s) having been generated (s) beforehand by at least one generation step (41) of the configuration implemented by a system (1) of configuration generation and transmitted (s) to the means (12) of storage and / or internal or external communication. 3o Those skilled in the art will appreciate on reading the present application the possible configuration variations for the storage means and / or internal or external communication and the data processing means (which may be associated with the device or included in it by example). Several functional aspects, including modalities or functions identified in detail, are described in this description as being supported by modules executed on processing means. It will be understood in particular from reading the present application that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged and designed in a large variety of different configurations. Thus, the description of the present invention and the accompanying figures are not intended to limit the scope of the invention but merely represent selected embodiments. For example, the processing means may comprise at least one processor or at least one electronic circuit, such as an integrated circuit 15 for example or other types of arrangement of components, such as for example semiconductors, logic gates, transistors or other discrete components. Such processing means may also support one or more software application (s) or portion (s) executable code (s) within at least one software environment. The modules described here are therefore functionally identified because they may correspond to localized or distributed software applications or may be implemented by various types of processing means. The configuration module (22) can group the various modalities or functions described, or require the cooperation of other modules, without departing from the spirit of the invention. The means (12) of storage and / or internal or external communication may be co-located with the processing means (11) or be in different computer systems. Similarly, the system for generating the configuration may also include the means necessary to form the 30th generation system of the computer-generated images or these two systems may be physically formed by at least two different computer systems. Data representative of parameters, constituents or various elements and features described herein may form computer files or even, as the case may be present only temporarily, for example in a volatile memory, when their use does not require their persistence in the system, especially in the described cases of data transmission between various processes of the same system, via internal communication means, or even in the case of data transmission between different processes of different systems. One or more blocks ( s) physical (s) or logic (s) of machine instructions can, for example, be organized into an object, process, or function w (or modality). In addition, the routines and instructions used by these processing means do not need to be physically located together, but may comprise disparate instructions stored in different locations which, when functionally and logically joined together, form the module and realize the stated purpose for the module. Indeed, a ts simple executable code instruction, or a plurality of instructions, can actually be distributed among several different code segments or among different programs and stored in several memory blocks. Also, operational data may be identified and illustrated in processing means or modules, and may be incorporated into any suitable form and organized into any suitable type of data structure. The operational data may be collected or may be spread over different locations including different finished storage devices, and may exist, at least partially, simply as electronic signals on a system or network. The system is here referred to as having processing means in some embodiments, but one skilled in the art will appreciate that it may in fact be associated with such means or include them in its structure. The system comprises data processing means making it possible to carry out the modalities or functions described and may therefore include (or be associated with) specific circuits implementing these modalities or functions or include (or be associated with), in a general manner. , computer resources for executing instructions fulfilling the functions (or modalities) described above. Those skilled in the art will understand that many alternative embodiments are possible. Thus, for example, the various data representative of the parameters described here can be grouped in the form of a file by type of parameter and the system can execute at least one program supporting all or part of the functions or methods described here, presenting the information relevant for the operator's choices. For example, the various described embodiments of the invention may be implemented in the form of a computer system executing the modules described here and using data relating to the various parameters and at least one algorithm at least equivalent to at least one of the relationships (equations) described illustratively in detail in this application. In other embodiments, it is a plurality of computer systems, eg networked, that will support all or part of the embodiments of the invention described herein. The module (22) configuration and control of the interface (13) man / machine may be separate or integrated with each other. This interface (13) has been described here as a set of input and display means (touch screen for example) allowing the operator to interact with the system. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that depending on the type of input and display means implemented, the control module of these means will vary, regardless of whether it is integrated or separate from the module (22) configuration. In general, the arrangement of the modules and the interface may be designed so that the invention in operation enables the operator, via the interface, to present at least one software component of choice. configuration (menu, tabs, ...) corresponding to at least one of the modalities of the configuration module (22), by proposing choices relating to at least one of the parameters available in this modality and / or to predetermined capture configurations corresponding to this modality. The selections made by the operator, via the interface, allow the configuration module (22) to determine the configuration to be used for the capture. The invention may provide components of choice (menus, tabs, ...) that vary depending on the use and the operator, for example so-called expert and beginner components, setting or not pre-imposed limits for the parameter values. (for example) and offering or not variations for predetermined configurations. Likewise, the use may be guided, for example, by graphical representations of the results of the selections (as mentioned above) or graphic representations of the predetermined capture patterns. Similarly, for the image synthesis module, the invention may allow, via the interface, to present to the operator at least one software component of choice comprising at least one previously determined capture configuration and / or at least a virtual scene to capture, to obtain the images or sequences of images. The use for mixing may also be guided by software components of choice presenting the operator for example various types of playback devices.

It will be recalled for a good understanding of the invention that in the prior art an image synthesis software exploits data representative of static or evolutive positions and characteristics of constituents of a scene, such as, for example one or more file (s) for representing the 3D objects of a scene to produce an image to be sent (live or deferred, locally or remotely) to a rendering device for display in perspective. Note that this computer-generated image production can be obtained directly by the image synthesis software (ray tracing or radiosity technologies in particular) or obtained indirectly (depth buffer technology) by at least one material means. specialized computer (3D graphics processor) executing graphic instructions transmitted by the software to this medium (s) hardware (s). This explains the duality of scene description that this invention allows by adapting both to explicit scene descriptions (or upstream: positions and characteristics of the constituents) that implicit (or downstream: stream of graphical instructions transmitted by a process, possibly different from that which executes the invention, to at least one 3D graphics processor). It should be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention allows embodiments in many other specific forms without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. Therefore, the present embodiments should be considered by way of illustration, but may be modified within the scope defined by the scope of the appended claims, and the invention should not be limited to the details given above.

Claims (17)

REVENDICATIONS1. System (1) for generating a configuration (25) for capturing a plurality of nxm images of a virtual scene, these nxm images being intended for restitution on at least one multiscopic reproduction device, the capture being carried out by projecting the scene onto a plurality of nxm capture zones (ZCi) associated with each other at an optical center (Ci), defining a virtual capture device, the system comprising data processing means (11) and means (12) to storage and / or internal or external communication and / or a user interface (13), characterized in that the processing means (11) execute a configuration module (22) generating data defining said configuration ( 25), allowing a restitution with a determined relief effect, and representative of the positions, with respect to the scene, of the nxm optical centers (Ci) and the dimensions and positions, with respect to the scene, nxm capture areas (ZCi) associated with them, by linking at least the following data from the means (12) for storage and internal or external communication and / or interface (13) User: 20 - data representative of the positioning, the orientation and the possible conformation in the scene of at least one global recording mark (27) representing the choice (s) of the operator of the system in terms of position (s) and orientation (s) of observation of the scene, data representative of at least one parameter (23) of configuration, defining a desired deformation for the relief effect and / or a geometry of captation, the capture being carried out by the projection of the scene on the nxm capture zones (ZCi), through nxm pyramidal optical pickup beams supported on a rectangular base (BC) common to the nxm optical beams and 30 disposed in the scene to capture, the nxm beams each passing through one of the nxm optical centers (Ci) aligned, in batches, on one or more line (s), called straight lines (LCi2) of alignment of the centers, parallel (s) to one of the main directions of this common base (BC), the capture zones (ZCi) corresponding to the intersection of these optical beams with at least one plane parallel to this common base (BC), the axes of sight (AVi) or main axes nxm optical beams, passing through their optical center (C1 converging all towards the center (PS) of the common base (BC), data representative of parameters (21) of restitution, defining or allowing to deduce at least the dimensions of a chosen useful area of the rendering device and the preferred observation positions chosen for the rendering device. 2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the data representative of at least one parameter (23) of configuration comprise data representative of at least one set of is parameters among the following sets of parameters: a set of parameters (23a), said internal capturing directly defining the capture geometry by at least the positions, vis-à-vis a specific reference to the virtual capture device, optical centers (Ci) aligned with the (or ) right (s) (LCi2) 20 of alignment of the centers and the positions of the capture zones (ZCi), parallel to each other and oriented so that their lines are parallel to these straight lines (LCi2) alignment centers A set of parameters (23b), said external, capturing defining or making it possible to identify the capture geometry from the point of convergence (PS), by at least the dimensions of the common base (BC) centered on the point of convergence (PS), the positioning of the line or lines (LCi2) of alignment of the centers, the positioning of the optical centers (Ci) on these lines (LCi2) of alignment of the centers and the position of the parallel planes at the common base (BC) containing the capture zones (ZCi) • a set of deformation parameters (23c) defining deformations that can be envisaged for the relief rendering of the scene. 3. System according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the data representative of at least one configuration parameter (23) comprise data (23d) representative of a parameter defining a relief rendered without any deformation with respect to the relief of the captured scene. 4. System according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the data representative of at least one parameter (23) of configuration io comprise data representative of at least one parameter among the following parameters (23c) of deformation, defining transformations between the initial space of the scene and the rendering space and defined either individually for each observation position no. i, either in batches, or globally, by: at least one factor k; of overall magnification and in particular at depth, at least one parameter E; control of potential nonlinear deformation (which transforms a cube into a truncated pyramid), • at least one rate p; relative magnification of the width with respect to the depth or horizontal anamorphosis factor / desired depth, • at least one rate p; relative magnification of the desired height versus width or vertical / horizontal anamorphic factor, • at least one rate y; horizontal shearing of the perceived relief, • at least a rate δ; vertical shearing of the relief perceived by a dipping observer in accordance with that expected. 5. System according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the data representative of at least one configuration parameter (23) comprise data representative of the following external collection geometry parameters (23b): at least one parameter defining relative to the common base (BC), the positioning of the center alignment line (s) (LCi2), at least one parameter defining the positions of the optical centers (Ci) on these lines (LCi2) d center alignment, - at least one parameter defining directly or indirectly the dimensions of the common base (BC), - at least one parameter defining the precise position of each plane parallel to the common base (BC) carrying at least one zone of lo capture (ZCi). 6. System according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the data representative of at least one configuration parameter (23) comprise data representative of the following internal pickup geometry parameters (23a): at least one parameter defining the positions of the optical centers (Ci) vis-à-vis a reference specific to the virtual capture device, - at least one parameter defining the orientation of the line of sight (AVi) of each projection pyramid ( or main axis), 20 - at least one parameter defining the geometry of the effective projection pyramid of each capture zone (ZC;). 7. System according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that all or part of the data sets from which the configuration module (22) determines said configuration are variable over time, thanks to data from the means. internal or external communication and / or user interface and defining at least one time reference (29) for changing the data representative of the configuration parameter (s) (23) and / or data (27) representative of the global capture frame and / or data (21) representative restitution device, including selected observation positions. 8. Use of the data (25) representative of the positions of the nxm optical centers (C;) and the dimensions and positions of nxm capture areas (ZC;) with respect to the scene and defining said configuration according to one of the preceding claims, for generating nxm images or image sequences of a virtual scene, static or dynamic, by an image synthesis module (MSI) executed by the system (1) for generating the configuration or by another system lo comprising data processing means (11) executing the image synthesis module (MSI) and internal or external storage and / or communication means (12) and / or a user interface (13), characterized in that that the image synthesis module (MSI) generates data (28) representative of the nxm images or sequences of synthesis images from said data (25) representative of the positions of the nxm optical centers (C;) and dimensions and positioning of the nxm capture areas (ZC;) with respect to the scene and defining said configuration and data (24) representative of static and evolutive positions and characteristics of constituents of a three-dimensional virtual scene, either a series of computer instructions or graphic orders to define the same scene. 9. Use according to claim 8, characterized in that the module (MSI) for image synthesis generates all or part of said data (28) representative of nxm synthetic images, static or corresponding to the same time step in their sequence. respective, through the execution of multiple instances of an image synthesis software. 10. Use according to one of claims 8 and 9, characterized in that the module (MSI) of image synthesis generates all or part of said data (28) representative of nxm synthetic images, static or 30 corresponding to the same time step in their respective sequence, by an instance of an image synthesis software arranged to perform in parallel several captations of images in the same instance. 11. Use according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the nxm images or sequences of computer-generated images generated by the image synthesis module (MSI) are stored or transmitted to other systems or processes thanks to means (12) for storing and / or communicating internally or externally. 12. Use according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the nxm images or sequences of synthesis images generated by the module (MSI) of image synthesis are the subject of a mixing adapted to the device of multiscopic reproduction chosen, thanks to a mixing module (MX) using data (DR) representative of the technical characteristics of the rendering device for generating data (DX) representative of the nxm images or sequences of images mixed appropriately for their restitution on the rendering device. 13. Use according to claim 12, characterized in that the data (DX) representative of the images or sequences of mixed images generated by the mixing module (MX) are stored or transmitted to other systems or processes by the means (12) storage and / or internal or external communication. 14. Use according to one of claims 12 and 13, characterized in that the data (DX) representative of the images or sequences of mixed images generated by the mixing module (MX) are transmitted to the playback device. 25 15. A method of generating a plurality of nxm images or image sequences of a virtual scene, static or dynamic, these nxm images or image sequences being intended for restitution on at least one multiscopic rendering device, and corresponding to the projection of the static or dynamic virtual scene on a plurality of nxm capture areas (ZCi) each associated with an optical center (Ci), the method being characterized in that it is implemented by at least one system comprising data processing means (11) and means (12) for storing and / or communicating internally or externally and / or a user interface (13), and comprising the following steps: • generation ( 41), by a configuration module (22), data representative of a configuration (25) of the capture, allowing a restitution with a determined relief effect, and representative of the positions, compared to the sc een, nxm optical centers (Ci) and dimensions and positions, relative to the scene, nxm capture areas (ZCi) associated with them, by linking at least the following data, from the means (12) of storage and / or internal or external communication and / or the user interface (13): - data representative of the positioning, the orientation and the possible conformation in the scene of at least one global recording mark (27), data representative of at least one configuration parameter (23), defining a desired deformation for the relief effect and / or a capture geometry, the capture being carried out by the projection of the scene virtual on the nxm capture areas (ZCi) through nxm pyramidal optical beam capture supported on a rectangular base (BC) common nxm optical beams, arranged in the scene to capture, the nxm beams passing each p ar one of the nxm optical centers (Ci) aligned in batches on one or more lines, called straight lines (LCi2) of alignment of the centers, parallel to one of the main directions of this common base (BC), the zones of capture (ZCi) corresponding to the intersection of these optical beams with at least one plane parallel to this common base (BC), the axes of sight (AVi) or main axes of the nxm optical beams passing through their optical center (Ci), all converging towards the center (PS) of the common base (BC), data representative of parameters (21) of restitution, defining or allowing to deduce at least the dimensions of a useful area of the chosen restitution device and the positions of preferred observation chosen for the restitution device. Virtual capture (42) of the scene by generation, by an image synthesis module (MSI), of data (28) representative of the nxm to images or image sequences from said data (25) representative of said configuration and of data (24) representative of static and evolutive positions and characteristics of constituents of a virtual three-dimensional scene, or of a series of computer instructions or graphical is orders making it possible to define this same scene, these data ( 24) from the means (12) for storing and / or communicating internally or externally and / or coming from the user interface (13). 16. A method according to claim 15, characterized in that the step of generating (42) data (28) representative of the nxm synthetic images, static or corresponding to the same time step in their respective sequence, by the module ( MSI), comprises steps of executing (421n) multiple instances of an image synthesis software. 17. Method according to one of claims 15 and 16, characterized in that the step of generating (42) data (28) representative of nxm synthetic images, static or corresponding to the same time step in their respective sequence , by the image synthesis module (MSI), comprises a step of execution (422) of an instance of an image synthesis software arranged to produce in parallel several captures 3o of images in the same instance .